Heat-tolerant variety: Thrives in warm weather, making it suitable for southern and tropical gardens
Edible leaves: Provides a nutritious addition to meals, rich in vitamins A, C, iron, and calcium
Ornamental vining habit: Features dark red stems and deep green leaves for decorative appeal
Moisture preference: Prefers humid soils, ideal for monsoon and humid climates
Supports conservation: Each purchase helps support seed conservation efforts
Summarized by Shop
Basella rubra. This is not a true spinach, but its leaves are a great addition to the southwestern vegetable garden because it likes hot weather, unlike regular spinach, lettuce, etc. Though it is heat tolerant, it is not drought tolerant ... it does prefer moist soil and loves humidity. Good for monsoon planting. Red Malabar is also a
Botanical Name
Basella rubra
Seed Count
Approximately 1 g (40 seeds per packet)
Plant Class
Magnoliopsida
Suitable Space
Outdoors
Plant Characteristics
Edible
Summarized by Shop
4.5
13 ratings
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Slow growing
I planted seeds and they did sprout. The plants are only about an inch tall, but judging from last year they really grow and produce in the heat, and that is still to come.
M
Marcia · April 18, 2025
Beautiful
Looking forward to a successful growing season
R
Rhiannon · April 29, 2025
Vigorous climber and excellent flavor
These seeds were easy to grow, and as the summer is heating up, the more these plants climb. Cooked them for the very first time like spinach, more texture than spinach, more flavorful than spinach. Just great all around. I garden in zone 7b, Southaven Mississippi and there is a lot of heat and humidity in summer. Today is the first day of summer and these greens are just starting to put on their show. These will always be in my summer garden.