Malabar Spinach

Length: 5-9 inches in a 12cm pot.

Thank you for choosing our premium Malabar Spinach seedlings! Here's how to care for your new plants. 

Malabar spinach (Basella alba or Basella rubra) is a leafy green vine that is popular in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible leaves and young shoots. Here’s a comprehensive care guide covering each aspect of growing Malabar spinach plants:

### Site Selection:
- **Light:** Malabar 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). 
- **Climate:** Malabar spinach is well-suited to tropical and subtropical climates with high humidity.

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

### Planting:
- Plant Malabar spinach seeds directly in the garden or start seeds indoors in pots.
- Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and space plants 12-18 inches apart.
- Provide support such as trellises or fences for the vine to climb.

### 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:
- Malabar 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:
- Feed Malabar spinach with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season 
- Alternatively, 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 Malabar spinach plants.
- Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients as it decomposes.

### Pest and Disease Management:
- Malabar spinach is generally resistant to pests but can occasionally attract aphids, leaf miners, or spider mites.
- 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 Malabar spinach leaves and young shoots 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 Malabar spinach plants and enjoy their nutritious leaves in salads, stir-fries, soups, and as a substitute for spinach in various culinary dishes.