50 Green Malabar Spinach Seeds – Heat Tolerant Climbing Spinach for Summer Gardens
Green Malabar Spinach is a vigorous climbing vine grown as a warm-season leafy green. Unlike common spinach, which tends to bolt in heat, this tropical plant thrives in summer and produces abundant, tender leaves on twining stems. The glossy green foliage and attractive red stems make it a productive and ornamental addition to vegetable gardens, trellises, and edible landscapes.
Also known as Ceylon spinach or vine spinach, Malabar spinach is popular in Asian and tropical cuisines. The mild, slightly succulent leaves can be used fresh in salads or cooked in stir-fries, soups, and stews. This heat-tolerant green is an excellent choice for filling the summer gap when cool-season greens decline.
Plant Features
- Heat-tolerant climbing vine that performs well in summer
- Produces tender, mild-flavored green leaves on vigorous twining stems
- Attractive red stems and glossy foliage add ornamental value
- Can be grown on trellises, fences, or poles to save garden space
- Provides a reliable leafy green harvest during hot weather
Growing Information
- Botanical Name: Basella alba
- Plant Type: Warm-season perennial vine, usually grown as an annual
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
- Growth Habit: Climbing vine
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 as perennial; grown as annual elsewhere
- Bloom Season: Summer to fall
- Mature Height: Vines can reach 6-10 feet or more with support
- Germination Requirements: Sow seeds after last frost; soak seeds overnight to aid germination
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
Planting & Care
Start Malabar spinach seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost, or sow directly in the garden once the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Soaking seeds overnight in warm water can help soften the hard seed coat and improve germination. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Provide a trellis, fence, or pole for the vines to climb.
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Once established, Malabar spinach is relatively low-maintenance. Harvest young leaves and tender shoot tips regularly to encourage bushy growth. Pinch back flower buds if you want to prolong leaf production. In frost-free climates, the vine may die back in winter and regrow from roots.
What's Included
This listing includes 50 Green Malabar Spinach seeds.