Big Round Leaf Malabar Spinach Seeds (Basella alba) – Heirloom Climber with Succulent Leaves, Thrives in Heat for Summer Greens

Minimum: 15+ Seeds

If you’ve ever struggled to grow traditional spinach in the sweltering heat of summer, Big Round Leaf Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) is your answer. This vigorous heirloom climbing vine produces lush, round, glossy green leaves that are not only beautiful but also nutrient-dense, tender, and deliciously succulent. Unlike true spinach (Spinacia oleracea), which quickly bolts in hot weather, Malabar Spinach thrives in warm and tropical climates, providing a steady supply of leafy greens throughout the hottest months of the year.

Originating from Asia and long cultivated in India, Africa, and tropical regions worldwide, Malabar Spinach is treasured for its edible leaves and stems, ornamental beauty, and versatile culinary uses. The round, fleshy leaves have a mild, spinach-like flavor when cooked, with a slight crispness and mucilaginous quality that makes them perfect for stir-fries, soups, stews, and curries. They are also excellent raw in salads, smoothies, and wraps for a hydrating crunch.

This climbing vine grows quickly, twining upward on trellises, fences, or garden arches, reaching heights of 6–10 feet or more. The Big Round Leaf variety features broader leaves than other strains, giving you more harvest per vine and a striking presence in the garden. Its red-purple stems add ornamental flair, while the tiny white or pink-tinged flowers eventually give way to dark purple berries historically used as a natural dye.

🌱 Key Features

• Heirloom Heat-Loving Green – Perfect for summer harvests when lettuce and spinach wilt.

• Climbing Vine – Grows 6–10 feet or more with support, ideal for vertical gardens.

• Big Round Leaves – Glossy, fleshy foliage with excellent yield.

• Versatile Culinary Use – Delicious raw or cooked; mild spinach-like flavor with unique texture.

• Highly Nutritious – Rich in vitamins A, C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants.

• Beautiful & Functional – Striking red stems and edible leaves make it both ornamental and practical.

🌿 Growing Information

• Scientific Name: Basella alba

• Plant Type: Warm-season perennial vine (grown as an annual in most climates)

• Sun Requirement: Full sun (tolerates light partial shade)

• Soil Preference: Rich, moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter; pH 6.5–7.5.

• Sowing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after soil warms to 65–75°F. Soak seeds overnight before planting to encourage germination.

• Depth: ½" deep.

• Spacing: 12–18" apart with trellis or vertical support.

• Germination: 10–21 days at warm temperatures.

• Days to Maturity: 60–70 days from transplant for harvestable leaves.

• Harvest: Pick young leaves and tender tips regularly to encourage new growth.

• Lifespan: Perennial in frost-free zones; annual in colder regions.

🍴 Culinary Uses

Malabar Spinach offers a wide range of delicious uses in both fresh and cooked dishes:

• Salads & Wraps – Young leaves add crisp texture and mild flavor.

• Stir-Fries & Curries – Holds up well to high-heat cooking, common in Asian cuisines.

• Soups & Stews – Adds body and a silky texture thanks to its natural mucilage.

• Smoothies & Juices – Provides nutrition and hydration when blended.

• Pickling & Preserves – Leaves and stems can be pickled in vinegar for a tangy snack.

🌼 Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

Malabar Spinach is a nutrient powerhouse, particularly rich in vitamin A for eye health, vitamin C for immunity, iron for energy, calcium for bone strength, and antioxidants for overall wellness. Its high water content makes it a refreshing summer green, while the mucilaginous quality may help support digestion and soothe inflammation. In traditional medicine, Malabar Spinach has been used to support hydration, skin health, and digestive regularity.

🌍 Sustainability & Seed Saving

As an heirloom, open-pollinated variety, Big Round Leaf Malabar Spinach allows you to save seeds season after season, preserving genetic diversity. Its vigorous growth and resilience make it an excellent addition to sustainable gardens, permaculture designs, and homesteads, especially in regions with hot summers where greens are scarce.

✨ Why Grow Big Round Leaf Malabar Spinach?

Unlike regular spinach, which falters in heat, Malabar Spinach truly comes alive in summer, thriving where other greens struggle. With its lush foliage, climbing habit, and nutritional punch, it’s not just a vegetable—it’s a multi-purpose plant that brings beauty, shade, and sustenance to your garden. Whether you want fresh greens all summer long, a striking climber for vertical gardening, or a highly nutritious addition to your kitchen, this heirloom variety delivers on every level.

✅ Add Big Round Leaf Malabar Spinach Seeds to your cart today and enjoy an heirloom green that loves the heat, climbs sky-high, and brings beauty and nutrition straight from the garden to your plate!