Ceylon Spinach Green Stem Vegetable Seeds

MALABAR SPINACH ‘Green Stem’ Vegetable Seeds

Botanical Name: Basella alba

• Also known as Ceylon spinach or vine spinach—popular in tropical Asia and Africa.
• Fast-growing, heat-loving vine with glossy green leaves and tender green stems.
• Excellent substitute for true spinach in warm and humid climates where regular spinach struggles.
• Leaves have a mild flavour and slightly mucilaginous texture—great for stir-fries, soups, and curries.
• Highly ornamental, with trailing vines and pink-purple flower spikes.
• Perennial in tropical regions, grown as an annual in cooler climates.
• Can be grown on trellises, fences, or allowed to sprawl as a ground cover.

Plant Details:

• Plant Type: Fast-growing climbing vine
• Plant Height: Vines reach 2–3 metres with support

Sowing Information:

• Sow When:
  • Temperate: October–January
  • Subtropical: September–March
  • Tropical: Year-round
  • Cool: November–January (start indoors)
  • Arid: September–February
• Germination: 10–21 days @ 22–30°C
• Depth: 1–1.5 cm deep
• Position: Full sun to part shade
• Sow Where: Sow directly or raise in punnets and transplant when well-established
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost; pH 6.0–7.5
• Spacing: 30–45 cm between plants

Growing Tips:

• Soak seeds in warm water overnight to speed up germination.
• Install trellises or vertical supports early to encourage upright growth.
• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Harvest leaves regularly to promote branching and lush growth.
• Will self-seed in warm climates—cut back in late summer to control spread.
• Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushier plants in small spaces or containers.

Harvest:

Harvest young leaves and tender stems 8–10 weeks after sowing. Regular picking encourages fresh growth and prevents flowering.

When to Sow Malabar Spinach in Your Climate