Basella alba
Ceylon spinach
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
Other common names
East Indian spinachIndian spinach
see moreMalabar nightshade
Malabar spinach
red Malabar nightshade
Synonyms
Basella rubra
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | White Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Basellaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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