Ceylon spinach
Also known as: East Indian spinach; Indian spinach; Malabar nightshade; Malabar spinach; red Malabar nightshade
A climbing or scrambling perennial that is grown as a summer annual in Britain. Edible leaves are used in similar ways to spinach. Small white flowers, sometimes with purplish tints, make this an attractive addition to a vegetable garden
Scientific classification
- Species
- Ceylon spinach (Basella alba)
- Genus
- Basella
- Family
- Basellaceae
- Information to be completed
- Toxicity
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Plant type
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Climbing
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn
- Season of interest
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Ceylon spinach pictures
Distribution of Ceylon spinach
Distribution map
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Culture
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Toxicity
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Quick identification of Ceylon spinach
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Ceylon spinach care guide
- Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer
Pruning
PruningNo pruning required
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Growing
GrowingPlant out after the risk of frost has passed. Fertile, moisture retentive soil in full sun will produce good growth. Harvest young leaves; frequent picking will encourage more growth. Provide support for stems to twine up
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Pests
Generally pest-free
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