Brazillian Spinach

Height: 3-5 inches in a 12cm Nursery pot

Thank you for choosing our premium Thai Chili Pepper seedlings! Here's how to care for your new plants. 

Brazilian spinach (Sissoo spinach) is a heat-tolerant, leafy green plant that is gaining popularity for its edible and nutritious leaves. Here’s a comprehensive care guide covering each aspect of growing Brazilian spinach plants:

### Site Selection:
- **Light:** Brazilian spinach thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth.
- **Temperature:** It prefers warm temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) and does well in tropical and subtropical climates.
- **Climate:** Brazilian spinach is well-suited to warm, humid climates but can also tolerate moderate drought conditions.

### Soil Preparation:
- Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.
- Improve soil fertility by adding compost or aged manure before planting.

### Planting:
- Brazilian spinach can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
- Sow seeds directly in the garden or start seeds indoors in pots. Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading.

### Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

### Sunlight:
- Brazilian spinach prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
- Ensure plants receive adequate sunlight for vigorous growth and leaf production.

### Fertilizing:
Apply organic fertilizers such as compost or fish emulsion to promote healthy growth.

### Mulching:
- Apply a layer of organic mulch (like straw or compost) around the base of Brazilian spinach plants.
- Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients as it decomposes.

### Pest and Disease Management:
- Brazilian spinach is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally attract aphids, caterpillars, or leaf miners.
- Inspect plants regularly for pests and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions.

### Harvesting:
- Harvest Brazilian spinach leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
- Leaves can be harvested when they are young and tender, pinching or cutting stems above leaf nodes.
- Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.

By following these care guidelines, you can successfully grow Brazilian spinach plants and enjoy their nutritious leaves in salads, stir-fries, soups, and as a substitute for spinach in various culinary dishes.