Malabar spinach (Basella alba or Basella rubra) is a leafy green vegetable commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It’s valued for its edible leaves, which are high in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. While it’s often propagated through stem cuttings, it’s entirely possible to grow Malabar spinach from seeds. Here’s how you can do it:
- Seed Selection: Obtain Malabar spinach seeds from a reputable source. You can usually find them at garden centers or order them online.
- Preparation of Soil: Malabar spinach thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil by mixing compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and texture.
- Sowing Seeds: Plant Malabar spinach seeds directly into the soil after the last frost date, as it prefers warm temperatures. Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and space them 6 to 12 inches apart. You can plant them closer together if you plan to harvest them as baby greens.
- Germination: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to aid in germination. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 14 days, depending on the temperature and soil conditions.
- Sunlight and Temperature: Malabar spinach thrives in full sunlight, so ensure they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It also prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F to 95°F (21°C to 35°C).
- Watering: Once the seeds have germinated, continue to water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
- Support: is a vining plant and will benefit from some form of support, such as a trellis or stakes. Providing support will help keep the plant upright and make harvesting easier.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and leaf production.
- Harvesting: You can start harvesting Malabar spinach leaves when they are young and tender, usually around 6-8 weeks after sowing. Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage continuous growth.
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