Pui shak (Malabar spinach) is very popular in Bangladesh. Because it is fairly easy to get, everyone likes it. Green and red types are usually available in the country, and it is sold in markets all year round. It can be grown around the house, on rooftops or on fallow land. Seedlings have to be raised before it is grown.

To raise pui shak seedlings, sowing in rows needs 8-10 g of seed per decimal; broadcasting needs more seed. Pui shak seed needs a temperature of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius for sowing, so it is better to sow in winter when the temperature is low. It can, however, be grown all year round.

Pui shak generally grows well in summer and the rainy season. The seed is soaked in water for 24 hours and then sown in the field. Sometimes seedlings can be raised in beds. From February to March, seed is sown in beds or polybags to raise seedlings.

When the seedlings are two weeks old, they can be lifted and planted in the main field or used to fill gaps. Sowing in rows needs 8-10 g of seed per decimal and 1.5-2.5 kg per hectare. Before sowing, the land should be cleared of weeds and then well prepared with five to six ploughings and laddering.

Seedlings 15-20 days old can be planted in the field. They should be planted 1 metre from row to row and 50 cm apart within each row. Once the plants are ready to eat after transplanting, the vines are cut for harvest.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.