25 Malabar Spinach Seeds | Basella Alba | Ceylon Vine | Heat-Loving Leafy Green

Malabar Spinach (Basella alba), also known as Ceylon Spinach, Vine Spinach, or Mong Toi, is a fast-growing, perennial leafy vine prized for its succulent, slightly mucilaginous leaves. Unlike true spinach, it thrives in hot, humid summer weather where traditional spinach bolts. The leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, offering a mild, slightly peppery flavor perfect for salads, stir-fries, and soups.

**Growing Information:**
- **USDA Zones:** Grown as an annual in zones 2-11. Perennial in zones 10-12.
- **Light Requirements:** Prefers full sun to partial shade (6+ hours of sun).
- **Water Requirements:** Keep soil consistently moist; drought-tolerant once established but best with regular watering.
- **Growth Habit:** A vigorous climbing vine that can reach 6-10 feet in a season. Provide a trellis, fence, or support for optimal growth.
- **Soil:** Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5-7.0.
- **Sowing:** Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm (70-80°F). Seeds can be soaked for 24 hours to improve germination. Plant 1/2 inch deep, 2-3 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart.
- **Harvest:** Begin harvesting leaves and tender stem tips 50-70 days after planting. Frequent harvesting encourages bushier growth.

A wonderful addition to any edible garden, container, or vertical space, providing a continuous harvest of nutritious greens throughout the hottest months.