Vegetable · Vining green
Malabar Spinach
Basella albaA vigorous, glossy-leaved vine that thrives in exactly the heat and humidity that wilts true spinach. It climbs eagerly given a trellis or fence, producing a steady supply of thick, mild leaves all summer long. The one rule: wait for the soil to warm through — cold, wet ground simply rots the seed.
Sow depth
¼ in
Spacing
12 in · rows 24 in
Sun
Full sun
Germination
10–21 days
Time to harvest
55–70 days
Difficulty
Easy
When to sow malabar spinach
- Sow from about 3 weeks after your last expected frost until about 11 weeks before the first expected autumn frost.
Scarify or soak seed overnight — the tough seed coat slows germination otherwise.Wait until the soil is fully warm and nights stay above 15°C before sowing.Set up a trellis, fence, or netting at sowing time; vines climb fast once established.
Water regularly — consistent moisture keeps leaves thick and mild rather than tough.Train and tie in new growth as it searches for the next rung of support.Pinch growing tips occasionally to encourage bushier, leafier side shoots.
Pick young leaves and shoot tips often — regular cutting keeps the vine productive.Harvest before flower spikes form; older leaves turn thicker and more mucilaginous.Use leaves soon after picking, as they wilt quickly once cut.
Companion plants
Malabar spinach’s climbing habit pairs well with sturdy, sun-loving neighbors like peppers and okra that won’t be shaded out by its vigorous vines.
Watch out for
Leafminers — Tunnel pale trails through leaves in warm weather. Remove and destroy affected leaves and cover young plants with fine mesh.Aphids — Cluster on new shoot tips and flower buds. Hose off with a strong jet of water or treat with insecticidal soap.