How to Grow Red Malabar Spinach
Basella rubra
Your complete guide to growing Red Malabar Spinach.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsWhen to Plant Red Malabar Spinach
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | June – July | July – September |
| Zone 2 | — | May – July | July – September |
| Zone 3 | — | May – June | June – October |
| Zone 4 | — | April – June | June – October |
| Zone 5 | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | — | April – May | May – November |
| Zone 7 | — | March – May | May – November |
| Zone 8 | — | March – April | April – December |
| Zone 9 | — | February – March | March – December |
| Zone 10 | — | January – March | March – December |
| Zone 11 | — | January – February | February – December |
| Zone 12 | — | January – February | February – December |
| Zone 13 | — | January – February | February – December |
Companion Plants for Red Malabar Spinach
✓ Good companions
Repels aphids and whiteflies that commonly attack Malabar spinach
Fix nitrogen in soil which benefits the leafy growth of Malabar spinach
Similar heat and moisture requirements, can share vertical growing space
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting Malabar spinach
Both thrive in hot, humid conditions and complement each other's growth habits
Both enjoy warm weather and similar growing conditions, peppers deter some leaf-eating pests
Malabar spinach provides living mulch and ground cover while tomatoes offer climbing support
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone toxin that is harmful to most vegetables including Malabar spinach
Compete for similar nutrients and may attract pests that also damage Malabar spinach
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most leafy vegetables
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
