Ceylon (Malabar) Spinach Red Stem Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Basella alba ‘Rubra’
Synonyms: Malabar Spinach, Vine Spinach
Ceylon Spinach (Red Stem) is a heat-loving leafy green with glossy green leaves and vibrant red stems. Also known as Malabar Spinach, this fast-growing climbing plant is ideal for vertical gardens, trellises, and hot climates where true spinach struggles. The young leaves are tender and spinach-like in flavour, while mature leaves develop a mild mucilaginous texture, making them excellent for soups and stir-fries. A perennial in tropical and subtropical areas, it grows as an annual in cooler zones.
Why Grow Ceylon Spinach?
- Thrives in heat and humidity—perfect for summer gardens
- Highly nutritious, rich in vitamins A and C
- Stunning red stems add colour to your garden and dishes
- Great for salads when young, or lightly cooked in stir-fries
- Mucilaginous leaves work well as a natural thickener in stews
Growing Instructions
- Soak seeds overnight to improve germination.
- Sow direct into warm soil or raise in trays and transplant.
- Provide a sturdy trellis or vertical support.
- Tip-prune regularly to encourage branching and more leafy growth.
- Water consistently, especially during dry weather.
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Warm-season short-lived perennial (grown as annual in cooler zones)
Height: 1.5 – 2 m climbing vine
Sowing Information:
- Germination: 10 – 20 days @ 22 – 27 °C
- Depth: Sow 2 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to semi-shade
- Sow Where: Direct into warm soil or transplant after frost
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-drained (pH 5.5 – 6.7)
- Spacing: 30 cm between plants
When to Sow Ceylon Spinach in New Zealand:
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Northland) | October – February | Direct sow or transplant after frost. Prefers warm, sheltered sites. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | November – January | Start in trays for a head start. Needs long warm season and full sun. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | Late November – January | Only suitable in hot summers or under cloche. Provide heat and support. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | Not recommended unless grown in a greenhouse or tunnel house | Frost tender—requires high summer temperatures and long growing season. |
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners:
- Pre-warm soil or raise in trays indoors for better germination in cooler zones.
- Provide sturdy vertical support to encourage climbing habit.
- Regularly prune tips for bushier growth and increased yield.
- Harvest young leaves and tender shoots continuously throughout summer.
Harvest:
Harvest from 70 days after sowing. Pick young leaves and tender tips as needed. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the season.
