Malabar Spinach

Malabar spinach is a heat-loving vine that prefers fertile, well-drained soil near pH 6.0-6.8. Incorporate compost, give light nitrogen feedings during repeated harvests, and supply a sturdy trellis for its vigorous stems.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

12 in

First harvest

55–70 days

Tips

• Soak seeds overnight and sow 1/2 inch deep when soil is at least 70°F, thinning to 12 inches apart.
• Keep soil evenly moist and mulch to prevent drought-stressed, tough leaves.
• Guide young vines onto a trellis and pinch shoot tips to encourage branching.
• Feed lightly after heavy picking and check for leaf spots, watering below the foliage.
• Harvest young leaves and tender shoot tips often before stems become fibrous.