(Basella alba var. rubra) 70 days. These Asian greens are a great summer substitute for spinach. The fleshy leaves and stems are high in vitamins A and C. Excellent for salads, stir fries, and thickening summer soups. Germination is slow (10+ days at 80°F) so plant extra, or start indoors 3-6 weeks before transplanting. Grows best with trellising: a good technique is to plant next to pea trellises and let them take over as the peas finish. Thin to 12-18 in. apart. Will re-grow even if severely cut back. Self-sows readily.