Native to India, and tropical regions, Malabar spinach is a vine-type of plant that thrives in moist, hot climates. Used often in cooking, just like spinach, Malabar spinach doesn't wilt as fast as regular spinach and also has a wonderful crisp lemon-pepper taste, therefore making great salads!
GROWING MALABAR SPINACH:
- Malabar spinach can be grown from either seeds or cuttings.
- Direct sow Malabar spinach seeds in USDA Zone 7 or warmer 2-3 weeks after the last frost date.
- If you live in a cooler region, start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date and wait to transplant until the soil has warmed.
- Plant in moist, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter and a soil pH of 6.5 to 6.8.
- Malabar spinach can be grown in partial shade or in full sun.
- Because the spinach loves moist soil, regular watering is extremely important.
- A trellis is also needed to for the vines to climb up.
- Water regularly and check to make sure soil is always moist.
- Set up a trellis or a fence so the vines can climb up.
So now that you know how to grow Malabar spinach, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!