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Plant Malabar Spinach: Growing Basella Spinach

Are you searching for a spinach alternative that thrives in the blazing summer sun? Malabar spinach (Basella spinach) is a fast-growing, heat-loving vine with large, glossy, succulent-like leaves. I was genuinely surprised by how well this plant flourishes even in hot temperatures. If you love homegrown greens but struggle to keep traditional spinach alive during summer, planting Malabar spinach might be just what you need.


Table of Contents


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What Is Malabar Spinach?

Malabar spinach (also known as Basella spinach) isn’t a true spinach. It belongs to the plant family Basellaceae (the Madeira-vine family). There are two primary varieties you can grow:

  • Basella rubra: Features green leaves, light pink flowers, and striking purple-red vines. The purple flesh of the ‘Basella rubra’ berry has a vibrant color and can be used to make a rich-colored dye. Get seeds here.
  • Basella alba: Boasts green leaves, white flowers, and green vines. Get seeds here.
Malabar spinach (also known as Basella spinach)
Basella rubra and Basella alba

Both varieties are beautiful, fast-growing vines with succulent-like leaves that flourish in warm weather. They can quickly fill up a trellis or arch, adding beauty and nutrition to your garden.

Also Known As: Ceylon spinach, Vine spinach, or Alugbati (in some cultures)

Learn how to grow traditional varieties of spinach in this guide. Get growing tips for Swiss chard here.


Nutritional Benefits

Malabar spinach isn’t just pretty. It’s also packed with nutrients:

  • Vitamins: High in Vitamins A and C
  • Minerals: Rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium
  • Protein: A good source of plant-based protein
  • Antioxidants: Loaded with antioxidants that help fight free radicals

How to Plant Malabar Spinach

When To Plant

Waiting to plant Malabar spinach until once the weather warms in spring is essential. Wait until after your last frost date and the soil has warmed. If you’re in a hot climate like the low desert of Arizona, you can plant from March through May (start seeds indoors from January to March).

Growing From Seeds

How to Plant Malabar Spinach (2)

Growing From Transplants

  • Start Indoors: About six weeks before your last frost date.
  • Transplant: Once the soil has warmed, and there’s no risk of frost.
  • Spacing: Plant seedlings about 12 inches (30 cm) apart.

From Cuttings (can be tricky)

  • Prepare Cutting: Take a 6-inch (15 cm) cutting, cutting just below a node.
  • Rooting:
    • Option 1: Pot the vine in potting soil or a soilless mix, keeping it well-watered.
    • Option 2: Root cuttings in water before transplanting.
  • Direct Planting: Alternatively, plant cuttings directly in the desired area, ensuring the area stays well-watered to allow roots to form.
How to Plant Malabar Spinach
Rooting Basella spinach cuttings

Tip: Malabar spinach prefers moist, fertile soil high in organic matter. I like to mix compost into the planting area beforehand to give these vines the best start. Learn more about how to compost in this guide.

Where To Plant

Although Basella spinach thrives in the heat, the tastiest leaves are grown in abundant shade. Plant in an area with afternoon shade if possible.


Companion Planting

Good companions include basil, Armenian cucumbers, and other heat-loving vegetables that benefit from similar moisture and sunlight conditions. Learn more about the benefits of companion planting in this guide.

Companion Planting

Caring for Malabar Spinach

Proper care ensures your Basella spinach plant stays healthy and productive throughout the growing season. Here’s what you need to know:

Consistent Moisture

Malabar spinach thrives in tropical-like conditions, so consistent moisture is crucial. Here’s how to ensure your plant stays hydrated:

  • Watering Needs:
    • In extremely hot regions (like Arizona summers that can exceed 43°C (110℉)), you might need to water daily during heatwaves, monitor your soil.
    • Add a layer of organic mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
  • Avoid Drying Out: If the plant dries out, it may bolt (flower and set seed), causing the leaves to turn bitter.

Related Post: How I Set Up My Simple DIY Irrigation System

Plant Malabar Spinach_ Growing Basella Spinach

Fertilizing

To keep your Malabar spinach lush and productive:

  • Soil Enrichment: Use compost or balanced organic fertilizers to keep the soil nutrient-rich.
  • Frequency: Apply fertilizer once or twice during the growing season for optimal growth.

Pest Management

While Malabar spinach is relatively problem-free, keep an eye out for common garden pests:

  • Snails and Slugs: They love these succulent leaves. Use barriers like copper tape or traps, or manually remove them in the early morning.
  • Aphids: These tiny pests can be managed with a strong water spray, or allow beneficial insects to act as pest control.

Pruning and Support

  • Pruning: Regularly prune to encourage bushier growth and prevent the vine from becoming too tangled.
  • Support: Ensure the trellis or support structure is sturdy enough to handle the heavy vines, especially as they grow longer.

Related Post: DIY Garden Trellis Ideas

Caring for Malabar Spinach (2)

Harvesting Malabar Spinach

You can start harvesting Basella spinach leaves once the vines have at least 8–10 leaves. Here’s how to do it effectively:

  • Harvesting Technique:
    • Smaller Leaves: Pick leaves from the tips of the vines regularly.
    • Larger Vines: Allow them to grow longer, then cut them back to encourage branching.
  • Maintenance: Always leave at least six leaves on the vine to ensure continued growth.
  • Storage: Malabar spinach doesn’t store well, so use it fresh.

At the end of the season, Malabar spinach sets flowers, which turn into deep purple berries (drupes) with seeds inside.

Save the seeds by drying the berries whole. Plant the seeds the following year. Malabar spinach often reseeds itself from dropped berries as well. Allow volunteer seedlings to sprout, then transplant them where you want them to grow in your garden. Learn more about saving seeds in this guide.

Save the seeds by drying the berries whole

Enjoying Malabar Spinach in the Kitchen

Its leaves have a mildly peppery, citrus flavor—similar to regular spinach. Eat young leaves for the best flavor and texture.

Culinary Uses:

  • Raw: Toss young leaves in salads or blend them into green smoothies.
  • Cooked: Add to stir-fries, soups, or sauté like kale or Swiss chard. A little vinegar or lemon juice can help reduce its natural sliminess (mucilaginous texture).
  • Favorite Recipe: My favorite way to enjoy it? A quick stir-fry with garlic, onions, and a splash of vinegar.

Read this post for my favorite Swiss chard recipes. Substitute Basella spinach for chard in the recipes.

Harvesting Malabar Spinach

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Malabar Spinach Invasive in Warm Climates?

While Malabar spinach can easily self-seed, it’s generally not considered invasive. Regular harvesting and seed management can keep it under control.

2. Can I Grow Malabar Spinach in Containers?

Absolutely! Growing Malabar spinach in large containers with a trellis support is a great option, especially if you’re short on garden space.

3. How Do I Store Malabar Spinach Seeds?

After harvesting, dry the berries completely and store the seeds in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Label them with the date for future reference.

4. Is Malabar Spinach a Perennial?

In tropical and subtropical climates, Malabar spinach can behave as a perennial. In cooler regions, it’s typically grown as an annual. Learn more about my favorite perennial plants in this guide.

5. Is Malabar Spinach Safe to Eat?

Yes, Malabar spinach is completely safe to eat. Both the leaves and stems are edible and nutritious. Just ensure you’re growing it organically to avoid pesticide residues.

6. Is Malabar Spinach Edible?

Absolutely. Malabar spinach leaves and stems are edible and can be used in a variety of culinary dishes, much like regular spinach.

7. Is Malabar Spinach the Same as Spinach?

No, Malabar spinach is not the same as true spinach (Spinacia oleracea). While they share similar names and culinary uses, Malabar spinach belongs to the Basellaceae family and thrives in warmer climates, unlike traditional spinach which prefers cooler temperatures.

8. What Are the Best Companion Plants for Malabar Spinach?

Good companions for Basella spinach include basil, Armenian cucumbers, and other heat-loving vegetables that benefit from similar moisture and sunlight conditions. Get more ideas for heat-loving companion plants in this guide.


Personal Experiences and Tips

From my garden, I’m amazed at how Malabar spinach survives (and thrives) in intense summer heat. Temperatures in my area regularly hover around 43°C (110℉) for weeks. Despite that, the Basella spinach vines stay lush—provided they get enough water.

My Top Tips:

  • Container Growing: If you’re short on space, try growing it in a large container with a trellis. This also makes moving the plant easier if you need to provide extra shade during a heatwave. Learn more about container gardening in this guide.
  • Pest Control: Watch out for snails or slugs if you’re in a humid area; they love these succulent leaves. Using organic barriers or traps can help keep them at bay.
  • Shade: It can grow in full sun but will flower more quickly. I’ve found the leaves inside the trellis that get shaded by the rest of the plant are better tasting.
  • Pruning: Regular pruning keeps the plant manageable and encourages bushier growth, increasing yield.
  • Clean up Seeds: Basella spinach produces a large number of seeds. Keep mature seeds harvested to prevent rampant reseeding.

I remember the first time I grew Malabar spinach—I planted it late in the season, but it still took off in the scorching summer heat. It became a stunning centerpiece on my garden arch and provided a continuous supply of fresh greens.

Caring for Malabar Spinach

Sources for further reading and final thoughts

The Malabar spinach plant is a beautiful, heat-loving alternative to traditional spinach. From its rapid growth to its ornamental vines and nutritious leaves, it’s a must-try for anyone gardening in warm climates. Provide it with consistent moisture, room to climb, and a bit of shade during the hottest parts of the day. In return, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious, versatile green for your summer meals.

If you try it this season, I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments. If this post was helpful, please share it.

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10 comments on "Plant Malabar Spinach: Growing Basella Spinach"

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  1. Growing it for the first time this year. Hoping it does well here in the southwestern desert! Were already hitting the triple digits!

    1. I started mine in July living in Loma Linda CA. 100 degree temps almost every day since starting. They’ve grown about 15 to 20 ft vines and just now starting to put out flowers. Water regularly and I’m sure yours can be carried over through the winter and live perennially in your location.

  2. Can Malabar Spinach be grown in a pot or container with a trellis support? Does it need a sunny location or is shade ok?

    1. Yes, it does well in a container. Shade is fine as long as it gets some sun (at least 4 hours).

  3. I am in Tampa FL area and my M Malabar has gone wild. I finally got my Slugs under control but am now fighting the spot fungas and I can’t seem to find a good source on how to stop it. I have been removing the affected leaves but it doesn’t seem to be working well.

    1. Removing affected leaves is what I would say too. Maybe cutting it back to see if that helps? Wish I had a better answer for you.

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