
Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a unique and versatile leafy green that can truly enhance your garden.
With its climbing vines and succulent leaves that resemble spinach, this plant brings a lot to the table—both literally and figuratively.
Unlike traditional spinach, which thrives in cooler weather, Malabar spinach loves the warmth, making it a perfect choice for summer gardens.
Not only does it provide nutritious greens, but its glossy leaves and rapid growth also make it an attractive option for vertical gardens and trellises.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to grow, maintain, and harvest Malabar spinach to ensure your plants stay healthy and productive.
Planting Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach can be grown easily from seeds, seedlings, or cuttings, making it an accessible plant for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Ideal climate and soil conditions
Malabar spinach thrives in warm, tropical, or subtropical climates, ideally where temperatures range between 65°F and 90°F.
It’s a heat-loving plant, but with proper care, it can also be grown in temperate regions during the warmer months.
For optimal growth, Malabar spinach requires well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
The plant does well in soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
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Planting methods (seeds, seedlings, cuttings)
There are several methods to start growing Malabar spinach:
Seeds
If you’re starting with seeds, you can either sow them directly in the garden after the last frost or start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks earlier.
Since Malabar spinach seeds have a tough outer shell, soaking them in water for 24 hours before planting can help speed up germination.
Seedlings
If you prefer using seedlings, you can transplant them into the garden once they have at least two sets of true leaves.
Make sure the soil temperature is warm (around 70°F) for the best results.
Cuttings
Another option is to propagate Malabar spinach through cuttings.
Take a 4 to 6-inch cutting from an established plant, remove the lower leaves, and place it in either water or moist soil until roots start to develop.
Spacing and depth
When planting seeds or seedlings, it’s important to space them about 12 to 18 inches apart.
This gives each plant enough room to grow.
If you’re using a trellis, you can train the vines to grow vertically, which is great for saving space in smaller gardens.
Plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.
Fertilizing requirements
Malabar spinach doesn’t need heavy feeding, but it does appreciate nutrient-rich soil.
Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to provide essential nutrients.
During the growing season, applying a balanced organic fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 NPK) every 4 to 6 weeks can help encourage vigorous growth and lush foliage.

Care and Maintenance
Malabar spinach is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but paying attention to its watering, pruning, and pest control needs will ensure that your garden flourishes.
Watering needs
Because Malabar spinach is native to tropical regions, it requires consistent moisture to thrive.
Water the plants deeply 1-2 times a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture, particularly during hot, dry weather.
Pruning and training techniques
Malabar spinach grows rapidly, and regular pruning is essential to control its size and encourage bushier growth.
Prune the vines by pinching off the growing tips once the plant reaches 12-18 inches in height.
This encourages side shoots and more leaves for harvest.
If you’re growing Malabar spinach on a trellis or support structure, regularly tie the vines to encourage upward growth and prevent them from sprawling along the ground.
Pest and disease control
While Malabar spinach is relatively resistant to pests, there are a few common issues to watch for:
- Aphids: These small insects can cluster on the underside of leaves. A strong spray of water or an insecticidal soap solution can keep them at bay.
- Snails and slugs: These pests may feed on the leaves, especially in wet conditions. Handpicking or using organic slug traps can help protect your plants.
- Fungal issues: Overwatering or poor air circulation can lead to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
Companion planting
Malabar spinach pairs well with several other plants in the garden.
Companion planting can enhance its growth and protect it from pests:
- Tomatoes and peppers: These plants thrive in similar growing conditions and benefit from Malabar spinach’s climbing habit.
- Herbs like basil and mint: These aromatic herbs can help deter pests such as aphids and caterpillars.
Avoid planting near root crops like carrots and beets, as they may compete for nutrients with Malabar spinach’s sprawling root system.

Overwintering and Propagation
If you live in a temperate climate, Malabar spinach may not survive the winter outdoors.
However, there are effective ways to extend its lifespan and ensure you have this delicious green for the next growing season.
Winter care
In areas prone to frost, Malabar spinach is typically grown as an annual.
But if you’d like to keep it alive through the winter, you can bring the plant indoors before the first frost hits.
Place it in a large pot near a sunny window, where it will receive plenty of light and warmth.
This way, your plant can continue to thrive indoors.
Another option is to take cuttings from mature plants and root them indoors over the winter.
This method allows you to start the next growing season early with fresh new plants.
Propagation methods
Malabar spinach is easy to propagate, whether through cuttings or seeds.
For cuttings, just root them in water or moist soil, as mentioned before.
If you prefer to use seeds, you can collect them from mature plants once the flowers turn into dark, berry-like fruits.
After harvesting the seeds, dry them out and store them in a cool, dry place.
This way, you’ll be ready to plant them in the spring.
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Final Thoughts
Malabar spinach is a wonderful choice for any gardener.
Its knack for thriving in hot weather, combined with its quick growth and nutritious leaves, makes it a fantastic addition to your garden or even a container on a sunny balcony.
By following the care tips shared in this guide, you’ll help your Malabar spinach grow strong and enjoy plentiful harvests all season long.
Embrace the beauty and benefits of this versatile plant, and happy gardening!
FAQs
Malabar spinach typically takes 70-85 days to mature, but you can start harvesting the young leaves as early as 50 days after planting.
Yes, Malabar spinach can be grown indoors as long as it receives sufficient light and warmth. A sunny windowsill or grow light setup works well for indoor cultivation.
In tropical climates, Malabar spinach is a perennial plant. In temperate regions, it is often grown as an annual because it cannot survive frost.
Fresh Malabar spinach leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze the leaves.