Malabar spinach plants grow in India and throughout the tropics, primarily in the moist lowlands. While the dark green leaves resemble those of spinach, this is a vine type of plant that thrives in hot temps, even exceeding 90 F. (32 C.) Cool temperatures cause Malabar spinach to creep. It is grown as an annual, but grows like a perennial in regions that are frost free.

Malabar Spinach is a rapid growing Indian spinach. Leaves are broad, dark green and thick. The plants are very tender and attractive. Repeated harvest can start 25 days after planting. 

How to Grow Malabar Spinach

The typical Nai-Pe-Tsai type pak choy, semiupright plant produces thick, white stems and deep green leaves. Good for warm areas as it is heat tolerant. This Chinese non-heading leaf type has clusters of 8 to 12" wide white celery-like stalks with large, nearly round, smooth, glossy leaves. The mild, mustard-y flavor is not bitter. The young leaves make a wonderful addition to soups, noodle dishes, and stir-fry.

Packet: 9-10 grams of seed

Native to the Mediterranean region, Roman Coriander is also known as Black Seed, Black Cumin, and Nutmeg Flower. Seeds have been used medicinally for millennia and were found in King Tut’s tomb. Ground seeds have a peppery flavor with a hint of oregano and are used as a spice throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Most/full sun. 12-18 inches. 

Red veins on dark green leaves. Hybrid.

Largely used in Indian and Mexican foods. It can be used to season chili, soups, sausage, and cheese.

Cuminum cyminum, commonly known as cumin, is a spice derived from the dried seeds of a small, slender annual herb in the parsley family (Apiaceae), native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. The seeds are small, oblong, and yellow-brown, measuring about 0.5 cm in length, while the plant itself bears delicate white to pale pink flowers. Cumin is prized for its earthy, warm, nutty flavor with subtle bitterness and occasional citrus notes, paired with a strong, slightly smoky aroma that becomes more intense when the seeds are lightly toasted. A cornerstone of Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisines, cumin is essential in curry powders and spice blends and is widely used in chili, stews, marinades, soups, rice dishes, and grilled meats such as lamb and chicken. It is available whole or ground, with whole seeds often toasted to release their aromatic oils, including compounds like cuminaldehyde that give cumin its distinctive character and depth of flavor.

Growing ash gourd (also known as winter melon or white gourd) in Canada, especially in cooler regions, requires starting seeds indoors and using heat-loving techniques. Ash gourd needs a long growing season and thrives in warm, sunny conditions, so starting seeds early and providing a greenhouse or warm environment is crucial for success. 

Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost or sow directly outdoors after last frost.

Sow seeds 1 cm deep. Days to Germinate: 5-6 days.

Days to Maturity: 55-60 days.

Fire Smart Type

Great for people with anemia, fights off cancers, and improves eyesight. 

Tamil word for greens is "keerai" and can be used to describe various greens from spinach to mustard greens. "Mulai Keerai" is used to describe amaranth at its early stages with the youngest and most tender leaves.

Characteristics: Callaloo is a leafy, spinach-like vegetable. The variety of callaloo Amaranthus viridis, better known as Chinese spinach or Indian kale, should not be confused with the callaloo found in the eastern Caribbean, which refers to the leaves of the dasheen plant.