SPINACH-CEYLON-MALABAR (SALE)

How to Grow Ceylon (Malabar) Spinach

1. Choose heritage orgainc seeds if possible.
2. Ceylon-Malabar spinach grows best in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
3. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) and remove any rocks, roots or debris. Add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil and mix well.
4. Sow the Ceylon-Malabar spinach seeds directly into the soil, spacing them about 20 cm (8 inches) apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) deep.
5. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more often during hot and dry weather. Aim for about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week.
6. Fertilise regularly as Ceylon-Malabar spinach is a heavy feeder.   Apply a balanced fertiliser every 3-4 weeks, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Harvest when the leaves are about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) tall.  Pick the leaves and stems from the top of the plant, leaving the lower leaves to continue growing. The leaves and stems can be used fresh or cooked in a variety of dishes.

Additional Growing Tips

• Train It as a Vertical Plant.  While Malabar spinach naturally grows as a vine, it thrives when grown on trellises, fences, or even an archway. This vertical growing method prevents fungal issues by improving air circulation around the plant. Plus makes harvesting easier, and allows you to maximize garden space by intercropping low-growing plants underneath.   Pro Tip: Use bamboo poles or string trellises and train the vines early by gently tying them to supports.
• Warm the Soil Before Planting.  Malabar spinach loves warm weather, and you can get a head start on the growing season by warming the soil before planting seeds.
  How: Cover the planting area with black plastic sheeting or mulch for 1–2 weeks before sowing seeds to increase soil temperature. This encourages faster germination.
• Prune Aggressively for Continuous Growth.  Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody or lanky.  Pinch off the growing tips once the plant reaches 30 cm (12 inches) tall. This forces lateral branches to develop, resulting in more leaves for harvest.  Use the pruned tips as cuttings for propagation in water or soil.
• Companion Planting Secrets.  Malabar spinach works beautifully with companion plants, which can boost its growth.  Best Companions:  Marigolds: Deter pests and add color to your garden.  Beans: Fix nitrogen into the soil, enriching it for Malabar spinach.  Radishes: Grow underneath to utilize ground space and deter pests like aphids.
  Avoid planting near mint or invasive creepers, as these can compete for nutrients.
• Use Mulching for Temperature and Moisture Control.  Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps regulate soil temperature and moisture while keeping weeds at bay.  Use organic materials like straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves for added nutrients as the mulch breaks down.  Red-colored mulch can reflect light and enhance growth in areas with less sunlight.
• Water Consistency Tip.  While Malabar spinach prefers moist soil, inconsistency in watering (e.g., drying out and re-watering) can cause the leaves to turn tough or bitter. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to ensure even watering. Avoid wetting the leaves to minimize fungal risks.
• Harvest Flowers and Seeds for Future Use.  Not only are the leaves edible, but the plant also produces small purple flowers and seeds that can be harvested.  Use the flowers to make natural dyes or as decorative garnishes.  Save seeds for next year’s planting or grind them into a powder for traditional medicinal teas.
• Natural Pest Control.  Instead of using pesticides, try these organic methods to protect your Malabar spinach.  Neem Oil Spray is effective for aphids and whiteflies.  Introduce Beneficial Insects like Ladybugs and lacewings to feed on pests that commonly attack Malabar spinach.
  DIY Garlic Spray: Blend garlic with water and a bit of dish soap, then spray to repel pests naturally.
• Shade Tolerant in Hot Summers.  If you live in an area with scorching summer heat, consider planting Malabar spinach in partial shade or providing temporary shade with a cloth to prevent leaf scorching.  It can still thrive with just 4–6 hours of sunlight.
• Experiment with Propagation in Water.  Malabar spinach is incredibly easy to propagate. If you want more plants place cuttings in a jar of water, and roots will sprout within a week. Transplant them into soil after roots are about 5 cm (2 inches) long. This is a great way to multiply plants mid-season.
• Watch for Over-Fertilization.  While Malabar spinach loves feeding, over-fertilizing can cause excessive vine growth at the expense of leaf production. Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK), but switch to a lower nitrogen fertilizer if the plant starts producing more stems than leaves.
• Extend the Growing Season Indoors.  Malabar spinach can grow as a perennial in warm climates, but in colder zones, you can grow it indoors during winter.  Simply use a sunny windowsill or grow lights to keep it alive year-round.  Plant in large pots with trellises for indoor decoration and easy harvesting.

Heritage of Ceylon (Malabar) Spinach

Ceylon-Malabar Spinach is a heritage seed that has been cultivated in South and Southeast Asia for centuries. Its use in traditional cuisine and medicine has made it a staple of the region. Growing your own Ceylon-Malabar Spinach is a great way to connect with this rich cultural heritage and enjoy a fresh and healthy ingredient in your cooking.

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