Malabar Spinach: A Tropical Leafy Green for Hot Climates
Malabar spinach (Basella alba or Basella rubra), also known as Ceylon spinach, vine spinach, or climbing spinach, is a tropical leafy green that thrives in warm climates. It is not botanically related to true spinach, but its dark green, glossy leaves and shoots resemble spinach and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Characteristics and Cultivation
Malabar spinach is a fast-growing, climbing vine that can reach heights of up to 10 feet. It requires a trellis or other support to grow vertically, as it can become tangled and unruly if left to sprawl on the ground.
It prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but it performs best in sandy loam that is high in organic matter.
Malabar spinach is heat-tolerant and can withstand temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It requires plenty of sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. It needs regular watering, especially during dry spells, as it is susceptible to wilting and premature flowering if it does not receive enough moisture.
Varieties
There are two common varieties of Malabar spinach:
- Green Malabar spinach (Basella alba): This variety has dark green leaves and is primarily grown as a vegetable.
- Red Malabar spinach (Basella rubra): This variety has purple or burgundy stems and oval to round leaves with pink veins. It is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage, but its leaves are also edible.
Nutritional Value and Culinary Uses
Malabar spinach is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. It has a mild, slightly peppery flavor with a hint of citrus. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and curries.
When cooked, the texture of Malabar spinach becomes gluey, similar to okra. This can be undesirable in some dishes, so it is important to consider the desired texture when choosing how to prepare it.
Health Benefits
Malabar spinach has several potential health benefits, including:
- Antioxidant activity: It contains antioxidants that can help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: It may have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Improved blood sugar control: Some studies suggest that Malabar spinach may help improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Growing from Seed
Malabar spinach can be grown from seed indoors or outdoors.
- Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed flats filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm (65-75 degrees Fahrenheit) until germination occurs, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
- Outdoors: Direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 1-2 inches apart, in rows spaced 3 feet apart. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Planting and Care
When transplanting seedlings or growing from direct-sown seeds outdoors, choose a location with plenty of sunlight and a trellis or other support for the vines to climb on. Malabar spinach can also be grown in containers, provided that the container is large and heavy enough to support the weight of the vines.
Water Malabar spinach regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize it once at planting time with a granular, slow-release fertilizer, and again every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
Harvesting
Malabar spinach is ready to harvest 70-85 days after planting. Harvest individual leaves, stems, and vine tips using garden shears or scissors. Harvest only as much as you need at any given time, as regular harvesting encourages more leaf growth.
Pests and Diseases
Malabar spinach is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to fungal leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola. This disease causes small circular or oval grey spots with a dark purple or brown ring on the leaves. Remove infected leaves promptly and destroy them in the trash to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Overwintering
In climates where Malabar spinach cannot survive the winter, it can be overwintered indoors. Take cuttings of your plant in the late summer and root them in a container with a trellis or other support. Keep the plant in a sunny location and water it regularly. To keep its growth under control, harvest the leaves or prune it as needed.
Companion Planting
Malabar spinach can be companion planted with heat-sensitive plants, as its shade can help protect them from the scorching summer sun. It can also be planted vertically to save space and allow other plants to grow underneath it.
Culinary Tips
- For larger, more succulent leaves, wait until the plant has reached full maturity before harvesting.
- To encourage the plant to branch out, pinch the tips of the vines.
- Malabar spinach can be stored in a cool place between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-5 days, but it is best consumed fresh.
