Basella rubra (Ceylon spinach)

Other names: East Indian spinach, Indian spinach, Malabar spinach , Malabar nightshade , Red Malabar nightshade, Basella alba, Vine spinach

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Where to grow

Soil type
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Moist but well-drained
  • Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • South
Exposure
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in loam-based compost with added leaf mould in bright filtered light with humidity. Water freely & feed monthly in growth; water moderately in winter. In frost-free areas, grow outdoors in fertile, moist soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Does not tolerate frost and or when summer temperatures go below 15C(59F). Leaves taste like spinach.

Suggested uses

Containers/Patio, Sub-Tropical, Wallside and trellises, Greenhouse, Conservatory

UK hardiness

H3

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11

Sunset zone

H1, H2

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Climbing

Native to

Papua New Guinea, India, Southeastern Asia

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Not toxic

Plant care

Pruning

Pinch out growing tips to create a bushier habit. Clip as needed to keep size in check. If growing as a vegetable, remove flowers before they bloom.

Propagation methods

Seed, Stem tip cuttings

Propagation

Sow seed indoors in late winter or early spring at 18-22C. Scarify seed with sandpaper or a knife to knick the seed coat. Germination takes 14-21 days. Direct sow after danger of frost has passed.

Pests

Can get aphids, scale insects and mealybugs under glass.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

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