Malabar Spinach Seeds - Big Round Leaf. Heirloom, Basella alba. 50-60 days. Warm season annual. Non GMO. Open pollinated. This is a green big leaf variety. Leaves are thick. Slow bolting and heat tolerant. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid clay soils. Sow seeds in late spring/early summer (soil temp at least 60°F) in a warm and sunny location or start seeds inside 6 weeks before last frost date (or 8 weeks before expected transplanting date). Malabar Spinach Seeds - Big Round Leaf Keep soil warm until emergence. Seeds will not germinate in cool soil and planting too early may affect plant vigor. Harden off plants carefully before transplanting. Partial shade may increase leaf size. Keep moist. Consistent moisture helps to keep plant from flowering (flowering may cause bitterness in leaves). Fertilize as needed. Train to a sturdy trellis. Harvest by cutting 6-8" young tips and leaves. New growth can be cut throughout the season. Malabar spinach has a mucilaginous texture and is mostly used to thicken soups/stews. Use in any recipe that calls for spinach, with noodles and in stir-fries. In Japan, it is cooked in tempura or ohitashi and dressed with a sesame seed dressing.