How to Grow Malabar Spinach: A Complete Guide

How to Grow Malabar Spinach

A complete guide to growing this heat-loving, nutritious climbing vine from seed to harvest

What is Malabar Spinach?

Malabar spinach (Basella alba or Basella rubra) isn’t true spinach at all, but a fast-growing tropical vine with edible leaves that thrive in hot weather when regular spinach wilts.

This beautiful climbing plant can reach heights of 6-10 feet, making it both ornamental and practical. It features thick, succulent stems, large, glossy leaves, and produces small purple berries.

Perfect for summer gardens when traditional greens struggle!

Ideal Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full sun to partial afternoon shade. Grows best in hot conditions but can benefit from afternoon shade in extremely hot climates.

Temperature

Thrives in hot weather (above 90°F). Soil temperature should be between 65°F and 75°F before planting outdoors. Cannot tolerate frost.

Soil & Water

Well-draining, fertile soil high in organic matter. Consistent moisture is essential – dry conditions may cause premature flowering.

Perfect Growing Climate:

Often called “jungle spinach,” Malabar spinach loves conditions that make traditional greens bolt or wilt. It’s ideal for hot, humid summer growing when other leafy vegetables struggle.

Planting Guide

From Seeds

Preparation: Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting to improve germination.
Timing: Plant after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed (late spring).
Planting depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-prepared soil.
Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
Germination: Expect seedlings in 7-21 days at warm temperatures.

From Cuttings

Select: Cut a 6-8 inch section of healthy vine.
Prepare: Trim the end at an angle and remove lower leaves.
Root: Place cutting in water until roots form (usually 1-2 weeks).
Transplant: Once roots are established, plant in moist soil.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist until new growth appears.

Pro Tip:

For a continuous harvest, consider succession planting every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season.

Providing Support

As a vigorous climber, Malabar spinach needs support to reach its full potential. Provide one of these support systems:

Trellis

A traditional trellis or lattice provides excellent support. Place it at planting time to avoid disturbing roots later.

Fence

Existing fences make perfect supports for Malabar spinach. Plant along fence lines for space-saving vertical growth.

Cage Support

A hog wire cage works well. Some gardeners train vines in a spiral around circular cages for maximum yield.

Care Tips

Watering

Water deeply but less frequently
Keep soil consistently moist
Water at the base to avoid leaf diseases
Increase watering during hot, dry periods

Fertilizing

Mix compost into soil before planting
Apply balanced organic fertilizer monthly
Use compost tea for a natural boost
Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent leaf bitterness

Pest Control

Monitor for aphids and caterpillars
Use neem oil for organic pest control
Remove affected leaves promptly
Encourage beneficial insects

Special Considerations

Mulching

Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperature.

Pruning

Regular harvesting serves as pruning. For overgrown plants, trim back excessive growth to encourage bushy habit and new tender leaves.

Harvesting Your Malabar Spinach

When to Harvest

Begin harvesting when plants reach 2-3 feet tall (about 40-60 days after planting)
Young, tender leaves and shoot tips have the best flavor
Harvest before flowering begins for best taste
Harvest in the morning for highest nutrient content

How to Harvest

Use clean scissors or garden shears to cut stems 6-8 inches long
Pick leaves individually or harvest entire stem tips
Regular harvesting encourages new growth
Leave at least 6 inches of growth for the plant to continue producing

Saving Seeds

To save seeds for next season:

Allow some stems to flower and produce berries
Wait until berries are dark purple and slightly soft
Harvest the berries when ripe
Separate seeds from the pulp by soaking in water
Dry seeds thoroughly before storing in a cool, dry place

Health Benefits of Malabar Spinach

Nutritional Powerhouse

Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, iron, and protein. Higher protein content than most leafy greens.

Disease Prevention

Regular consumption helps prevent osteoporosis, iron-deficiency anemia, cardiovascular diseases, and colon cancer.

Digestive Health

High fiber content supports digestive health and promotes weight loss by providing a feeling of fullness.

Culinary Uses

Raw Preparations

Fresh in salads (young leaves)
Smoothies and green juices
Sandwiches and wraps

Cooked Dishes

Stir-fries and sautés
Soups and stews
Traditional dishes from India, Southeast Asia

Note: Cooking reduces the mucilaginous texture that some people find unusual in raw preparations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Slow growth	Not enough heat or sunlight	Move to a warmer, sunnier location. Malabar spinach needs temperatures above 80°F to thrive.
Yellow leaves	Overwatering or nutrient deficiency	Check drainage and reduce watering frequency. Apply balanced organic fertilizer.
Early flowering	Drought stress or excessive heat	Ensure consistent moisture and provide afternoon shade during extreme heat.
Leaf holes	Insect damage (caterpillars)	Inspect plants regularly. Apply neem oil or introduce beneficial insects.
Poor germination	Soil too cold or seeds too old	Wait until soil is warm (65°F+) before planting. Use fresh seeds and soak them first.

Season Extension Tips

Growing in Containers

Use large containers (minimum 12-inch diameter) with drainage holes
Fill with high-quality potting mix enriched with compost
Water more frequently as containers dry out faster
Bring indoors near sunny windows when temperatures drop

Overwintering

In zones 10-11, Malabar spinach can grow as a perennial. In colder regions:

Take cuttings before first frost to grow indoors
Protect plants with row covers to extend season slightly
Keep indoor plants in brightest possible location
Save seeds for next season’s plantings

Ready to Grow Malabar Spinach?

Perfect For

Hot summer gardens
Vertical gardening spaces
Summer nutrition when other greens fail
Ornamental edible landscapes

Key Reminders

Plant after all danger of frost
Provide climbing support
Keep soil consistently moist
Harvest regularly for continued production

Time to Harvest

Days from seed to harvest: 40-60 days

Growing season: Late spring through fall

Peak production: Hottest summer months

Continuous harvest: Several months with proper care

With its heat tolerance, nutritional benefits, and beautiful appearance, Malabar spinach deserves a place in every summer garden. Happy Gardening…