Fast growing, perennial, soft-stemmed climber with succulent leaves. Red stemmed variety ‘Rubra’.

Other Names:  Malabar Spinach

Origin: Tropical Asia and Africa

Size:  climber to 6m high

Growing conditions: full sun

Harvest: when leaves are at a size you desire

Propagation: best from seeds, but can use soft cuttings

Growing tips: A perennial, soft-stemmed sprawling plant which prefers to climb if given the opportunity. Lush-green, heart-shaped leaves (up to 20cm length) form alternately along the stem (red and green varieties available, red variety is called ‘Rubra’). They have small flowers and dark black seeds, which are great for use as a natural dye. Plants adapt to any soil but prefer richer soils for fast growth. Ceylon Spinach can be used as a living mulch to shade trees from the Western sun and then pulled back or cut and harvested when no longer needed.

People living in flats or with only a small back yard can grow them in a bucket-sized pot providing a stake or fork for climbing growth. Tip pruning allows stems to develop multiple branches and flowers can be nipped off early in their season to encourage further leaf growth.

Use: Leaves and shoots are delicious in salads, stir fries, soups, and stews. Needs cooking to remove mucilage.

Availability in shop:  Best in late summer to autumn.