Growing Egyptian spinach is relatively easy.The seeds can be sown directly in the ground in the spring after all the chance of frost has passed, or started indoors about 6 weeks before the average last frost. These plants prefer full sun, plenty of water and fertile, well-draining soil.
Egyptian spinach (also known as molokhia or Jew's mallow) is a leafy green vegetable that is popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. Here are the steps to follow for planting and growing Egyptian spinach:
1. Choose the right location: Egyptian spinach thrives in warm weather, so it's recommended to plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter.
2. Prepare the soil: Use a garden fork to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. Mixing in compost or manure will help provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
3. Sow or transplant: Egyptian spinach can be started from seed or transplanted seedlings. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart, then thin them out to a final spacing of 12-18 inches between plants. If transplanting, space the plants 12-18 inches apart.
4. Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Egyptian spinach plants require regular watering, especially during dry periods.
5. Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to help the plants grow and produce more leaves. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer when planting if it is available.
6. Harvest: Egyptian spinach can be harvested once the leaves reach a size of about 6 inches. Cut the leaves from the plant, leaving small shoots on the stem to produce more growth.
7. Prune: Regular pruning can help keep the plant bushy and productive. Prune the tops of the plants regularly to encourage bushy growth.