Description

While the name Niwithi is given to both spinach and Malabar spinach, the two plants are from different families. Malabar spinach, the more heat-resistant variety, is a member of the Basellaceae family. A native to India and tropical moist lowlands of South Asia, it is a vine that has dark green leaves that resemble those of spinach. It occurs in two varieties, Basella rubra, the red stemmed variety, and Basella alba, which has green stems and thick fleshy leaves.

Both the leaves and tender shoots are edible, offering a mild, slightly peppery flavor that complements many dishes. Malabar spinach is commonly used in various ways:

Raw: Young leaves are added to fresh salads or "mallum" (a traditional Sri Lankan salad of chopped greens mixed with grated coconut).
Cooked: The leaves are often used in "kola kenda" (a traditional herbal porridge), curries, and stir-fries.
Soups and Stews: Due to its mucilaginous texture (similar to okra), Malabar spinach serves as a natural thickener in soups and stews, adding both nutrition and consistency to dishes.
Curries: It's a popular addition to coconut milk-based curries, often paired with other vegetables or lentils.
Sambols: Finely chopped Malabar spinach can be incorporated into spicy sambols, adding a nutritious boost to this popular condiment.

Planting requirements

Planting Season: Can be grown year-round in Sri Lanka, best planted at the onset of the rainy season (May-June or October-November)

Planting conditions:

Propagation	Seeds can be directly sown or stem cuttings used for faster propagation. Seeds germinate in 10 days to 3 weeks
Planting Method	Place plants at least a foot apart. Provide a sturdy trellis or support for the vines.
Soil	Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Add compost or well-rotted manure before planting
Water	Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry spells. Consistent moisture is important to prevent flowering
Light	Grows well in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter regions of Sri Lanka

Growing conditions:

Temperatures	Thrives in Sri Lanka's tropical temperatures, typically between 25-35°C. Growth slows when night temperatures are consistently below 15°C
Soil	Adapts to various soil types found in Sri Lanka, but prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8
Water	Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry seasons. Drip irrigation or hand watering at the base of the plant is recommended
Pruning	Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Prune as needed to maintain desired shape
Weed Control	Regular weeding is important. Use organic mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture

Harvesting

Start harvesting when the plant has reached full maturity, typically 70 to 85 days after planting. Cut individual leaves, stems, and vine tips using garden shears or scissors. Harvest only as much as you need at any given time. Regular harvesting encourages more leaf growth. The young leaves can be eaten raw in salads, while mature leaves are better cooked.

Curing

Malabar Spinash does not require a curing stage.

Storage

After harvesting, wash the leaves thoroughly and dry them in a shaded area. Store in a clean, damp cloth or perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, leaves can be blanched and frozen.

Protecting your plants

Pest control

Pest type:

Aphids
Whiteflies
Leaf-eating caterpillars

Symptoms:

Curled or distorted leaves
Sticky residue on leaves
Visible insects

Control method:

Use neem oil or insecticidal soap
Encourage natural predators like ladybugs
In severe cases, use approved organic pesticides

Disease Control

Disease type:

Fungal leaf spots
Root rot

Symptoms:

Brown or black spots on leaves
Yellowing leaves
Wilting

Management:

Improve air circulation
Avoid overhead watering
Remove infected plants
Use copper-based fungicides if necessary

Sources

In addition to our General List of Sources (link), we used these specific references:

Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Malabar Spinach

Generic name: Malabar Spinach, Ceylon Spinach, Sri Lankan Spinach, Vine Spinach, Creeping Spinach
Sri Lankan name: Nivithi (Sinhala) | Pasalaikīrai, Vasalakkīrai, Kodipasalai (Tamil)
Scientific name: Basella alba (green stemmed variety) and Basella rubra (red stemmed variety)
Plant family: Basellaceae
Edible parts: Leaves
Nutrition value: High in iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains proteins and dietary fiber.

Difficulty rating

Low Country Wet Zone

Difficulty:

★★☆☆☆

Explanation: Malabar spinach thrives in the warm, humid conditions of the low country wet zone. It's well-adapted to this climate and grows vigorously.
Challenges/Adaptations:

Monitor for fungal diseases due to high humidity
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging

Low Country Dry Zone

Difficulty:

★★★☆☆

Explanation: Can be grown successfully with proper irrigation. The hot, dry conditions are suitable for growth but require more water management.
Challenges/Adaptations:

Implement efficient irrigation systems
Use mulch to conserve soil moisture
Provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day

Mid Country

Difficulty:

★★☆☆☆

Explanation: The mid country's moderate climate is suitable for Malabar spinach cultivation. Growth might be slightly slower compared to the low country.
Challenges/Adaptations:

Protect from occasional cold spells
Ensure adequate sunlight exposure

Up Country

Difficulty:

★★★☆☆

Explanation: The cooler temperatures of the up country can challenge Malabar spinach growth, but it can be managed with proper care.
Challenges/Adaptations:

Choose warmer, sunnier locations for planting
Use protective structures like polytunnels during cooler months
Adjust watering practices to suit cooler, potentially wetter conditions

Companion plants

Companion plants aid growth by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, and providing support. They are part of a natural pest control system, maximising space and increasing crop productivity.

Malabar spinach tends to be an agressive vine that takes over plants close to it. Some sources note that they work well with beets, brassicas, eggplant, Leeks, lettuce, peas, and Radishes, but this plant will have to be carefully pruned; ours has taken over an entire section of the office front yard.

Non-companion plants

Non-companion plants are those that negatively affect each other’s growth when planted together, often due to competition for resources or chemical interference. Avoiding these pairings helps improve plant health and yields.

Not Applicable