Spinach: Red Malabar (Ceylon)

Description

This variety is from Peak Week Pods. JC Terblanche says: ‘Red Malabar spinach is an interesting plant that has a lot to offer. It is a perennial vining plant in the Basellaceae family so it isn’t a true spinach, but the leaf shape and taste are quite similar. They are extremely ornamental and create a very pretty vine wherever they are grown. The plants have red stems with fat, crunchy, juicy leaves. The leaves can be cooked or used raw the same way as spinach. They are a good choice for hot summers when normal greens tend to struggle as they thrive in hot, full sun and won’t wilt immediately after harvest. Can also be grown from cuttings – one plant will easily cover 3 m in all directions direction and will catch the eye of anyone visiting your garden. The leaves have a taste similar to spinach, with a hint of acidity and some peppery flavours. They form tiny white flowers that are followed by black berries which produce a red-purple juice that is used as a natural dye and food colorant. The berries have no real taste but have lots of health benefits. Scarify or nick the seeds before planting in spring for better germination. Overall this plant is a powerhouse that has so many uses and will be one of the most ornamental plants in your garden. They require a trellis for best results.’

15 seeds