Basella rubra belongs to the family Basellaceae, and commonly known as malabar spinach, indian spinach, ceylon spinach and vine spinach. native to india. It was used to treat large number of human ailments. It has been found to be a good source of calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. In Ayurveda, the plant has shown immense potential in androgenic, antiulcer, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory, central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity, nephroprotective and wound healing properties etc. Versatile in the kitchen, and delicious to eat.
Scientific Name: Basella Rubra
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 20-28C
Germination time in days: 7-14 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 40-90 days
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil requirement: rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soils
Sowing and cultivation: Seed sow period is March or April in a warm greenhouse. The seed requires a minimum temperature of 18 - 21°c in order to germinate it germinates within 10 - 21 days at 20°c, pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water shortens the germination time. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots of fairly rich compost and grow them on fast, planting them out after the last expected frosts. Stem cuttings: These can be taken in the late summer, overwintered in a greenhouse and then be planted out in late spring or early summer
