Malabar spinach is a lush, climbing tropical vine with thick, glossy leaves — a beautiful, heat-proof spinach substitute that climbs a trellis and crops all summer when true spinach can't cope.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun; loves heat
- Spacing: 30–40 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 23 cm+ depth
- Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks
- Support: a trellis to climb
When to plant: Malabar spinach is frost-tender and heat-loving — plant from late spring through summer. It's a perennial in frost-free areas. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing it in a raised bed: Plant into rich, moist mix at the base of a trellis and let it climb — it's ornamental as well as edible, with red or green stems. Pinch tips to keep it productive.
Watering and feeding: Keep the mix moist for tender, succulent leaves; it thrives on warmth and water.
Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.
Common diseases: the main one is leaf spot, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.
Companion plants: A gorgeous edible climber; give it a trellis of its own. See our companion planting guide.
Harvest and storage: Pick young leaves and tips regularly. They're thicker than true spinach, best lightly cooked or added to stir-fries and curries.
More growing guides: warrigal greens, kangkong and spinach.
Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: RJ Raawat, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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