Malabar Red Stem, Spinach Seeds

Malabar Red Stem Spinach Seed

Ruby stems and glossy leaves thrive through summer heat
Vigorous vines provide greens when spinach struggles
Young foliage offers mild, chard-like flavor
Trellis plants for an edible and ornamental display

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Basella rubra

Days to maturity

55 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

250 Seeds

About Malabar Red Stem, Spinach Seed, Spinach Seed

Red Malabar spinach is a heat-loving, vining green that thrives through the hottest days of summer when traditional greens fade. This vigorous Asian vine features glossy, thick, slightly savoyed dark green leaves set against striking deep red to purple stems, making it as ornamental as it is edible. The mild, chard-like flavor works well when young leaves and tender stems are used fresh in salads, blended into smoothies, or lightly cooked in stir-fries.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/2"

Days to Germination

10–21 days

Germination Type

G - Cool-Soil Germination

In-row plant spacing

4-6"

Row Spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Maturity

Summer

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

72 inches

Growth Habits

Climbing, Vining

Type

SMOOTH-LEAF SPINACH

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

1,956

Color

Green, Red

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Growing Season

Cool-Season Crop

Before Planting

Spinach benefits from a full-sun location in cool weather or light afternoon shade in warmer conditions, with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Work in compost and prepare a fine, level, weed-free seedbed. Plan dependable irrigation and avoid fresh manure or excessive nitrogen immediately before planting.

Planting

Direct sow spinach as soon as the soil can be worked, since germination and growth are best in cool conditions. Keep the seedbed evenly moist and thin seedlings after the first true leaves form. Make succession sowings every 1–2 weeks in spring, then sow again in late summer. Avoid hot-soil planting, which causes poor germination and rapid bolting.

Watering

Spinach needs steady moisture for rapid, tender growth. Water deeply before plants wilt, keeping the root zone moist but not waterlogged and directing irrigation below the leaves.

Fertilizer

Spinach benefits from moderate nitrogen during active leaf production. Side-dress lightly when needed, following soil-test and label recommendations, and avoid concentrated fertilizer against plants.

Harvesting

Harvest outer spinach leaves once they are large enough to use, leaving the center intact for regrowth. Cut entire plants before heat triggers bolting, preferably during the cool morning for crisp leaves.

Tips

Extend the spinach season with row cover in cold weather and afternoon shade during heat. Keep weeds controlled and sow short rows repeatedly instead of one large planting.

AVG. Seeding Rate

For baby leaf: 1M/25', 5M/125', 1,200M/acre at 40 seeds/ft. in rows at least 2" apart. For full-size leaves: 10M/1,000', 290M/acre at 10 seeds/ft. in rows 12–18" apart.

Pests & Diseases

Downy mildew, white rust, damping-off, and viruses are major spinach diseases. Select resistant varieties matched to current races, use clean seed, and rotate spinach and beets together. Remove plants with yellow angular patches or white growth beneath leaves; control weeds and aphids that maintain viruses.

Monitor spinach for aphids, slugs, leafminers, flea beetles, and chewing caterpillars. Protect young plants with barriers and use targeted controls that leave edible foliage free of unnecessary residues.