Whitwam Organics
Spinach- Malabar Large Leaf Green Stem
Spinach- Malabar Large Leaf Green Stem
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Large Leaf Green Stem Malabar Spinach
Basella alba
Basella alba, or Malabar Spinach, is a robust climbing Asian vine that thrives in heat and humidity. The smooth, dense leaves resemble spinach, but have a light Swiss chard flavor. New leaves are nutritious and can be used in salads or stir-fries. Unlike other Malabar that has thin winding vines, this one has thicker vines that don't really wrap and climb on their own. We like to pinch off the vine tips at about 6- 8 inches, and cook them like asparagus. The plant will split off 2-3 vines every time you cut it. The large leaves can get as big as dinner plates. They begin to "go to seed" as the days get shorter in the fall. The seeds can stain things purple, and are used as a dye in some places
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Days to germination |
10-21 days |
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Days to maturity |
50-60 days |
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Life cycle |
Annual but perennial in frost free regions |
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Plant time |
Mid Spring to Late Summer |
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Spacing |
17-18 inches |
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Sun |
Full Sun |
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Soil temperature |
65-75 degrees ideal |
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Optimum soil P.H |
6.5-6.8 |
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Height |
96-120 inches |
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Harvest |
Year-round without frost |
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What customers say
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“Great local Company! I had a larger order of compost soil delivered and it was quality and clean!”
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“Plants came in great condition. Dave responds to every question and concern within 24/hr of email. I will order again.”
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“Very healthy Tomato plants arrived quickly and well packaged. I will definitely be ordering again.”
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“So glad Plants were packaged very well as delivery driver did not read the live plants notice. Without the extra packaging the plants would not have survived.”
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