How to grow Malabar spinach so it turns out crisp and refreshing? Key points of the growing method explained

Malabar spinach is also called chan cai, luo kui, tofu vegetable, and purple angle leaf. It is a vegetable that tastes smooth and tender and is rich in nutritional value. Malabar spinach is mostly grown as a perennial in the tropical regions of southern China, while in northern regions it is generally grown as an annual. So what are the key points of the crisp and refreshing Malabar spinach growing method?

1. Growing time for Malabar spinach

Malabar spinach is generally sown in April and harvested in June. Usually, it can be sown and cultivated in the open field when the temperature is above 20°C. When the main harvest is tender stems and leaves, it enters the harvest period about 50 days after sowing. Malabar spinach tolerates high temperature and high humidity. It generally grows in loose and fertile sandy loam. The suitable germination temperature for seeds is generally around 25°C, and the suitable growth temperature for the plants is 25-30°C. Throughout the entire growth period, the soil needs to be moist. A few varieties have strict requirements for high temperature and short-day conditions, while most varieties do not have strict requirements for sunlight.

2. Key points of the growing method for Malabar spinach

1. Fertilizing and land preparation

Malabar spinach is a vegetable that is relatively afraid of cold, so its ability to adapt to high temperatures is quite good. It is generally more suitable for growing in loose sandy soil. Malabar spinach needs sufficient water throughout its entire growth process, so when choosing a site, pay attention to having a good drainage and irrigation system. When preparing the land, special attention should be paid to applying a sufficient amount of farmyard manure as base fertilizer, and at the same time deep plowing and deep planting should be carried out. After turning the land over, beds should be made. Generally, making the beds about one meter wide is enough. When making the beds, make the field ditches used for drainage and irrigation well so they can be used directly later.

2. Seed treatment

Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked, because the seed coat of Malabar spinach is relatively hard. If sown directly, they may not germinate for a very long time. When soaking the seeds, pay attention to the water temperature and time. First soak them in water at about 50°C for half an hour, then soak them in water at about 30°C for five to six hours. Finally, take the seeds out and place them in a warmer place to promote germination. Generally after three to four days, the white sprouts will appear, and then they can be sown.

3. Sowing and planting out

There are two sowing methods. The first is to broadcast the seeds on the bed at a spacing of 40 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants. The second is to first broadcast the seeds to raise seedlings, and when the seedlings grow three to four leaves, transplant them. The distance between each plant and each row is also 40 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants.

4. Field management

After planting out, if there is no rain, water once every three days. After it grows new roots, apply the first fertilizer. If it rains after transplanting, you can apply some urea during the rain, as this can promote its growth. Each time Malabar spinach grows taller for a period, it can be harvested once. After harvesting, apply fertilizer once, which helps it quickly grow new leaves and branches.

5. Disease prevention

The main diseases of Malabar spinach are brown spot disease and gray mold. Brown spot disease mainly harms the leaves, causing brown spots to appear on the leaf surface, and in severe cases the whole plant may wither. Gray mold, on the other hand, has water-soaked light green spots, and the diseased stems easily bend, fall over, and rot. We generally spray once every five to seven days with a 600-fold solution of 72% Kelu wettable powder, or a 600-fold solution of 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder, or a 1000-fold solution of 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder for control. Doing this continuously two to three times basically takes care of it.

3. 2019 Malabar spinach price market

The wholesale price of large-leaf Malabar spinach in Jinniu District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province is 2 yuan/jin, the wholesale price in Huaxi District, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province is 1.5 yuan/jin, the wholesale price of large-leaf Malabar spinach in Pingba County, Anshun City, Guizhou Province is 6.5 yuan/jin, the wholesale price of large-leaf Malabar spinach in Xinjian County, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province is 1.5 yuan/jin, and the price of large-leaf Malabar spinach in Jinzhou District, Dalian City, Liaoning Province is 9.9 yuan/jin. Malabar spinach prices differ by region. This wholesale price is for reference, and the actual price should be based on the local market.