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Malabar spinach · Red-stemmed

Red-Stem Malabar Spinach

Vine · Basellaceae

Red-stemmed Malabar spinach is not true spinach, but it fills the summer greens gap when real spinach bolts out. It makes glossy leaves on ornamental red vines, loves heat and humidity, and is especially useful for gardeners who want an edible trellis crop for the hottest part of the season.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity
55–70 days
Sun
6+ hours
full sun to part shade; hottest zones benefit from afternoon shade
Spacing
12–18 "
Seed Start
4–6 weeks
before transplant
Container
Yes
5+ gallon pot
Height
6–10 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 14–21 days
Optimal Temp 80°F
Seed Depth 0.5"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 65°F
Harden Off 5 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "
Needs Moderate
Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8
Soil Type Fertile, evenly moist soil with good drainage and plenty of organic matter.
Support Trellis — Use a trellis, fence, or strings; vines are easier to harvest and cleaner when supported.

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Low Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

slow-germination
Cause: Seeds and seedlings dislike cold soil and may sit for weeks.
Prevention: Wait for real warmth and soak seeds before sowing.
leaf-chewing
Cause: Tender leaves can attract snails or chewing insects in humid gardens.
Prevention: Inspect often and keep beds weeded and open.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Harvest tender tip growth and young leaves before stems get stringy.

Expected Yield 1–3 lbs/plant
Storage 3 days — Refrigerate loosely wrapped leaves and use quickly.

Sources

seed_catalog Park Seed university Wisconsin Horticulture

Red-Stem Malabar Spinach Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Red-Stem Malabar Spinach vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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