Spinach Seed Packet - Green Vines Supreme Malabar
60 days. Basella alba. Green Vines Supreme Malabar Spinach Seeds. Non-GMO, warm-season annual/perennial, heirloom, open-pollinated. This crop is suitable for trellised garden plots, raised beds, and large containers. This spinach substitute thrives in heat and humidity, with vigorous green vines and thick, succulent green leaves. ~800 seeds/oz.
- Latin Name: Basella alba
- Hardiness Zone: Annual 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; Perennial 10, 11
- Days to Maturity: 60 days
- Days to Germination: 10-21
- Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch
- Direct Sow: Yes, after soil is thoroughly warm; provide support for vines.
- Start Indoors: Yes, 6-8 weeks before last frost; pre-soak or lightly scarify seeds to improve germination.
- Plant Spacing: 12 inches
- Row Spacing: 24-36 inches
- Plant Height: 72-120 inches
- Plant Width: 24-36 inches
- Growth Habit: Climbing vine
- Deer Resistant: No
- Soil Preference: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; keep evenly moist.
- Temperature Preference: Warmer 75-95 F
- Germination Temperature: 70-85 F
- Light Preference: Full Sun (tolerates partial shade)
- Pests and Diseases: Watch for aphids, slugs, and snails; encourage airflow to limit leaf spots and fungal issues.
- Green Vines Supreme Malabar Spinach Color: Dark green, glossy, thick leaves on green vines
- Green Vines Supreme Malabar Spinach Flavor: Mild, spinach-like with subtle citrus notes; slightly mucilaginous when cooked
- Garden Size: Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Containers
- Climate Tolerance: Heat, Humidity
Growing Green Vines Supreme Malabar Spinach in the Vegetable Garden
Malabar spinach loves heat and grows best when soil and air temperatures are warm. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Lightly scarify the hard seed coat or soak seeds overnight, then sow 0.25 inch deep in moist, warm seed-starting mix held at 70-85 F. Thin or pot up to one seedling per cell so vines have room to root deeply before transplanting.
Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and nights remain above 60 F. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Provide a strong trellis, fence, or arbor for vines to climb, as plants can reach 72-120 inches in a season. Use a rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, water consistently, and mulch to conserve moisture and keep the root zone cool. In very hot climates, a bit of afternoon shade can increase leaf size and tenderness.
Harvesting of Green Vines Supreme Malabar Spinach
Begin harvest once vines are growing strongly and leaves are full-sized. Snip individual leaves or cut 6-8 inch tips that include tender stems and foliage. Regular picking encourages branching and continued leafy growth through the warm season.
For the best texture and flavor, harvest in the cool of the morning and use fresh whenever possible. Young leaves are excellent raw in salads, while larger leaves and stem tips shine in stir-fries, soups, and curries, where their gentle thickening quality is an asset. Remove or pinch off flower spikes to prolong leafy production.
About Green Vines Supreme Malabar Spinach Garden Seeds
Green Vines Supreme is a selected strain of Malabar spinach, a tropical leafy green grown as a warm-season alternative to true spinach. Thick, glossy leaves with a mild, spinach-like flavor withstand heat and humidity that would cause regular spinach to bolt. Vines climb readily and can even provide light shade for more delicate crops beneath.
Often called Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, or alugbati, this versatile green is popular in Asian and tropical cuisines. In the kitchen, it works raw, lightly sautéed, or simmered into soups and stews where its natural viscosity adds body. For gardeners in hot-summer regions, it is a standout leafy crop that continues to produce when cool-weather greens have faded.
Green Vines Supreme Malabar Spinach Seeds Per Package:
- 3 g Packet - Approximately 87 Seeds
Non-GMO Green Vines Supreme Malabar Spinach seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.