Spinach, Red Malabar 4in Plant, Basella Rubra flowering-plants

Spinach, Red Malabar 4in Plant, Basella RubraRed Malabar Spinach (Basella Rubra)Buyer will get 4'' potted plant height: growing Vine Flower Color: Green LeafyOther Names: Country mallow, Heart-leaf sida, Flannel weedThis beautiful plant is not a true spinach but a different species (basella rubra). This heat-loving Asian vine has lovely red stems and delicious, succulent leaves that are great in salads and stir-fries. A delicious green that can be grown as an annual in many areas or as a perennial in sub-tropical areas.Origination: It is found in tropical Asia and Africa where it is widely used as a leaf vegetable. Recommended Uses:Typical of leaf vegetables, Malabar spinach is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. It is low in calories by volume, but high in protein per calorie. The succulent mucilage is a particularly rich source of soluble fiber. Among many other possibilities, Malabar spinach may be used to thicken soups or stir-fries with garlic and chili peppers. Growing Instructions: Direct sow seeds in soil 2-3 weeks after the last frost in zone 7 and up. Sow in flats 5-6 weeks before transplanting into the garden. Scarify seed for germination in 2-3 weeks.