Hey folks! I'm in Zone 8a in Texas and I've noticed my Bloomsdale Spinach and bok choi bolting already, and it's only March. I'm looking for suggestions on sun-loving, heat-tolerant leafy greens that are packed with nutrition. The goal is to grow them from seed for cut-and-come-again salads and fresh eating throughout spring and summer. I already have some salad seed blends, buttercrunch, and Komatsuna started, but I'd love to find other options. I'm not keen on spicy or bitter greens like arugula and prefer greens that don't grow too big too quickly. I'd also like to avoid tough leaves like chard and collards. Any tried-and-true recommendations would be much appreciated! Thanks a bunch!
2 Answers
You might want to try Malabar spinach! It thrives in the heat and has a vine-like growth, so you can keep harvesting greens. It has a citrusy flavor that's a bit peppery but not as intense as arugula. Just be aware that it needs consistent watering and humidity to do well, especially since it comes from a tropical region. I've had awesome results with it here in Dallas!
You should definitely give longevity spinach a shot. Egyptian spinach (molokhia) and ceylon spinach (water leaf) are also great options. Plus, sweet potato leaves and amaranthus can handle the heat really well too! They're pretty versatile and add a nice touch to salads.
Interesting! Have you grown longevity spinach before? What do I need to know about it?
Thanks! I’ve never really enjoyed Malabar spinach, though. It's a beautiful plant, but that slimy texture isn't really my thing. Still, I appreciate the recommendation!