Malabar Spinach

(Basella alba) 50-60 days. These Asian greens are a great summer substitute for spinach. The fleshy leaves and stems are high in vitamins A and C. Excellent for salads, stir-fries, and thickening summer soups. Germination is slow (10+ days at 80°F) so plant extra, or start indoors 3-6 weeks before transplanting. Grows best with trellising: a good technique is to plant next to pea trellises and let them take over as the peas finish. Thin to 12-18 in. apart. Will re-grow even if severely cut back. Self-sows readily. A small (1 g) packet has about 42 seeds Good to start from seed in these months: North Florida: April-May Central Florida: March-June South Florida: February-June