Basella: The Climbing Edible That’s Taking Gardens by Storm
If you’ve been searching for a unique addition to your edible garden that doubles as an attractive ornamental, meet basella! This climbing perennial might not be a household name yet, but it’s quietly winning over gardeners who appreciate plants that work double duty in the landscape.
What Exactly Is Basella?
Basella, commonly known as basella or Malabar spinach, is a perennial climbing vine that brings both beauty and bounty to the garden. Don’t let the spinach part fool you though – while the leaves are edible and nutritious, this plant is actually more closely related to beets than true spinach!
This twining climber produces glossy, heart-shaped leaves that catch the light beautifully, along with small white or pink flowers that eventually give way to dark purple berries. The stems can be either woody or herbaceous, and the whole plant has a lush, tropical appearance that screams edible paradise.
Where Does Basella Come From?
Originally native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa, basella has found its way to various warm climates around the world. In the United States, you’ll find it established in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and some Pacific Basin islands including Palau. It’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized in these areas, reproducing on its own without human intervention.
Should You Grow Basella in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. Basella can be a fantastic addition to the right garden, but it’s not for everyone. Let’s break down the pros and cons:
Why You Might Love Basella:
- Fast-growing and productive – you’ll have plenty of edible leaves in no time
- Gorgeous glossy foliage adds tropical flair to any space
- Attracts pollinators with its small, delicate flowers
- Thrives in hot, humid conditions where other greens might struggle
- Works beautifully as a living screen or vertical accent
Why You Might Want to Think Twice:
- Only suitable for USDA zones 10-11 (unless grown as an annual)
- Being non-native, it doesn’t support local ecosystems like native plants do
- Can be vigorous and may need regular management
- Requires warm temperatures year-round to truly thrive as a perennial
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re passionate about supporting native ecosystems (and we totally get that!), consider these alternatives that might give you similar benefits:
- Native climbing or trailing plants suited to your specific region
- Local edible vines that provide food for both you and native wildlife
- Indigenous plants with attractive foliage that support pollinators
How to Grow Basella Successfully
Ready to give basella a try? Here’s what you need to know to keep this climbing beauty happy:
Growing Conditions
Basella is pretty straightforward once you understand its tropical origins. It craves warmth, humidity, and plenty of growing room. Plant it in full sun to partial shade – it’s quite adaptable in this regard. Well-draining soil is essential, but it doesn’t need to be particularly rich.
Planting Tips
- Start seeds indoors if you’re in a cooler climate and plan to grow it as an annual
- Provide sturdy support structures – this vine means business when it comes to climbing
- Space plants adequately as they can spread quite a bit
- In zones 10-11, you can plant year-round; elsewhere, wait until all frost danger has passed
Care and Maintenance
Once established, basella is refreshingly low-maintenance. Water regularly but don’t overdo it – soggy soil is not its friend. The plant grows quickly, so regular harvesting of leaves actually helps keep it in bounds while giving you a steady supply of nutritious greens.
Pinch flowers if you want to encourage more leaf production, or let them bloom if you enjoy the small flowers and want to attract pollinators to your garden.
The Bottom Line
Basella occupies an interesting niche in the gardening world – it’s undeniably useful and attractive, but it’s not going to win any awards for supporting native ecosystems. If you’re in a suitable climate and looking for a fast-growing edible vine that adds tropical flair to your space, it might be worth trying. Just remember to manage it responsibly and consider balancing it with plenty of native plants that give back to your local environment.
Whether you choose basella or opt for native alternatives, the most important thing is that you’re out there growing something green and wonderful!
