A hardy, succulent summer climbing green, Ceylon spinach is an annual with thick, shiny, heart-shaped leaves that stay crisp when fresh. Available in green and red-stemmed varieties, this plant produces deep purple seeds, which can be used as a natural food colouring.
- Planting: Best planted in spring and summer, the main growing seasons for this tropical spinach. It grows easily from seeds or established seedlings.
- Growing Conditions: Select a sunny to semi-shaded spot with soil enriched with organic matter.
- Cultural Tips: Provide a trellis or frame for climbing. Pinching the first shoots encourages branching. It’s also relatively drought-hardy.
- Harvesting: Young leaves and shoots are perfect raw in salads, sandwiches, or stir-fries, while older leaves are best cooked.
Key Growing Info
- Position: Sun/semi-shade
- Watering: Drought-hardy
- Harvest Time: 4-6 weeks
- Seed Depth: 3 cm
- Seed Spacing: 30 cm apart
- Frost Sensitivity: Frost-sensitive
