Basella Rubra v Rubra

Ornamental & Edible Red Vine: Malabar Spinach (Basella Rubra)

Discover the charming beauty and culinary versatility of Basella Rubra, the red-stemmed Malabar spinach! This delightful twining climber features dark olive leaves contrasted by striking purple-red stems and produces delicate pink flowers. Perfect as an ornamental vine for large pots or beds, it also offers edible leaves, shoots, and even berries.

While prized for its ornamental value, especially its vibrant red coloration, Basella Rubra is also nutritious, containing calcium, iron, and Vitamins A and C. Enjoy its spinach-like flavor in your cooking while adding a unique visual element to your garden.

Key Features of Basella Rubra v Rubra:

• Ornamental Red Vine: Features striking purple-red stems and dark olive leaves.
• Pink Flowers & Purple Berries: Adds delicate floral interest and unique edible berries.
• Edible Leaves & Shoots: Offers a nutritious, spinach-like vegetable.
• Versatile Climber: Ideal for large pots, beds, or as a climbing vegetable.
• Warm Weather Crop: Thrives in warm climates.
• Nutritious: Contains calcium, iron, and Vitamins A and C.

Growing Tips for Your Basella Rubra v Rubra Seeds:

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost or direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are warm. Choose a location with full sun. Provide consistent moisture and fertile soil with a pH of 6.5-6.8 (though it can tolerate poor soils).

Using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer will support healthy leaf growth. Provide support for its climbing habit, such as a trellis or stakes. Harvest baby greens in about 50 days and full-size leaves around 85 days. Watch for root-knot nematodes and Cercospora leaf spot.

In warm climates, Malabar spinach can be perennial; in cooler regions, treat it as an annual. The dark purple berries that develop after flowering are also edible and can be used as a dye.