Malabar Spinach (Climbing or Ceylon Spinach) -Basella alba
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£26.00
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❤️ Why you'll love it
A more versatile alternative to spinach, suitable for hot and cold weather.
🌿 Details
How to grow Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) in the UK
Position & Light:
Grow in full sun in the warmest, most sheltered position you have. Malabar spinach is a tender, twining climber with thick, glossy, succulent leaves, a more versatile alternative to spinach in hot weather, and ideal where regular spinach would bolt. In the UK it grows best in a greenhouse, polytunnel or sunny, sheltered spot such as a south-facing wall. Plant out only once frosts have passed and night temperatures stay above about 12C.
Soil & Watering:
Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil or in large pots of good compost. Malabar spinach needs steady warmth and moisture, so water regularly, keeping the compost evenly moist but never waterlogged. Mulch to retain moisture and warmth.
Feeding:
Feed with a balanced or high-nitrogen liquid fertiliser every two weeks through summer to encourage lush leafy growth.
Pruning & Maintenance:
Provide a trellis, canes or netting for support, as the stems twine and can reach 2 metres or more in a warm summer. Pinch out growing tips regularly to encourage bushy side shoots and more leaves. Pick leaves and young shoots regularly, which encourages fresh growth. Remove flower spikes to keep plants productive. Remove plants after frost. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach.
Common Problems:
- Slow growth: Needs warmth. Grow under cover or in the warmest spot.
- Frost damage: Frost tender. Plant out after the last frosts and protect early in autumn.
- Wilting: Caused by dry soil. Keep evenly moist.
- Slugs and snails: Young plants are vulnerable. Protect in spring.
- Aphids and red spider mite: Common under cover. Rinse off or encourage natural predators.
Supplied bare root, carefully packed with a moisture source to ensure freshness.
Plant height: approximately 10cm.
Please remember that most plants (except Evergreens) are dormant in Autumn/Winter so your order may have no leaves until Spring.
🪴 What Does Bare Root Mean?
Our plants have their full root systems but are carefully removed from the pot and soil before delivery.
The roots are wrapped in moist material and eco-friendly packaging to keep them fresh during transit.
It's less messy, reduces waste, and allows the plant to settle into your garden more easily once planted.
🌱 Sustainably Grown in Britain
Plants are sustainably grown and harvested at our nursery in the South West UK, without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Packaged using biodegradable materials for an eco-conscious delivery.
📜 Certified & Compliant
We are APHA-authorized for Plant Passports: your assurance that our plants are healthy, pest-free, and meet UK plant health regulations.
🚚 Combined Postage & Fast Dispatch
No extra delivery charge when you buy multiple plants from us! Simply add all the plants you love to your basket and pay one flat delivery fee at checkout.
Shipped via UPS Express, so they are in transit for less than 24 hours: includes care cards tailored to each plant you order.
Orders are sent out at the beginning of each week to reduce time in transit,
see Delivery information.
📌 Planting Advice
Upon arrival, plant immediately in a cool, shaded spot (indoors or outdoors) and water thoroughly.
Once new growth appears, move to the final growing location.
💚 Our Guarantee
If your plant doesn't survive delivery*, just send us a photo and we'll send a replacement (or issue a refund).
No hassle, no worries.
* provided you accept the first delivery attempt