In India last year, I discovered a plant that Indians call “spinach.” It climbed the walls of many of the Amritapuri gardens. We could eat it right off the vine, or put it in salads, or cook it. I loved it and decided to do my best to have it in my garden this year. I know we don’t have the heat that India has, but thought it might grow at a slower rate.
It was easier for me to identify the plant than I thought it would be. One of my friends even grew it here last year. The plant’s name is Red Malabar. It is a different species (basella rubra) than spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) but is often referred to as spinach even here. I ordered the seeds and planted them in containers in the house two weeks ago. So far none have germinated.
I re-looked at the packet and noticed a label: “Over-packed due to low germination.” This morning, I noticed that the label also says GERM 56%. With Seattle’s lack of heat plus such a low germination rate my endeavor may be doomed, but I hope not!
Living, Learning and Letting Go 