How to Grow Malabar Spinach
Basella alba
Malabar spinach is a heat-loving tropical vine grown as a summer leafy green. It needs warmth (above 15°C) to thrive and won't tolerate frost. Sow indoors in spring, transplant after all frost risk has passed, and provide a trellis or support. Harvest leaves and young shoot tips continuously once established. Thrives where regular spinach bolts in summer heat.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 15°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Balanced liquid feed every two weeks once plants are actively climbing. Rich soil preferred.
- A vigorous tropical climber that thrives in heat. Excellent spinach substitute for hot summers when regular spinach bolts. Mucilaginous texture when cooked.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 18°C+
- Germination temperature
- 20–30°C
Enter your last frost date to see your dates
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
Want your full season plan with reminders? Try Leaftide free
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Mature height | 200 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Provide a trellis or support for climbing. Space 30 cm apart along the support structure.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Red Spider Mite
Identification: Fine webbing on undersides of leaves, tiny red or yellow mites visible with magnification, leaves become mottled and dry
- Increase humidity by misting regularly
- Introduce predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis
- Spray with neem oil
- Miticide spray if severe
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in young leaves, slime trails, seedlings eaten overnight
- Beer traps
- Copper tape around containers
- Evening hand-picking
- Ferric phosphate pellets (wildlife-safe)
Disease Leaf Spot
Symptoms: Brown or black spots on leaves, sometimes with yellow halos
Treatment: Remove affected leaves promptly. Improve air circulation.
Prevention: Avoid overhead watering. Space plants adequately. Remove debris.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 18°C |
| Germination temperature | 20–30°C |
| Base growth temperature | 15°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | short day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Malabar Spinach?
- Plant Malabar Spinach 30cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Malabar Spinach?
- Malabar Spinach is ready to harvest approximately 55 days after transplanting.
- Is Malabar Spinach frost hardy?
- Malabar Spinach is classified as Tender.
