Red Malabar Spinach leaves with berries and blooms on a white background.
Close-up of Red Malabar Spinach and red stems on a wood background.
Red Malabar Spinach vines tied into a circle with immature berries on a white background.
Close-up angle of a trio of Red Malabar leaves with mature berries and red vines on a white background.
Bright red noodles dyed with Red Malabar Spinach berries surrounded by leaves on a slate background.
Hands holding a wreath made of Red Malabar Spinach in the gardens at Baker Creek.
Red Malabar Spinach leaves with berries and blooms on a white background.
Close-up of Red Malabar Spinach and red stems on a wood background.
Red Malabar Spinach vines tied into a circle with immature berries on a white background.
Close-up angle of a trio of Red Malabar leaves with mature berries and red vines on a white background.
Bright red noodles dyed with Red Malabar Spinach berries surrounded by leaves on a slate background.
Hands holding a wreath made of Red Malabar Spinach in the gardens at Baker Creek.

Spinach Seeds,
Red Malabar

3.983 Reviews#SP107 · 35 seeds
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Description

(Basella rubra). Easily the most beautiful vining edible green you can grow! Red Malabar spinach is a splendid edible ornamental, and it is extremely heat tolerant, providing gobs of nutritious greens while others have succumbed to the heat. This beautiful plant is not a true spinach but a different species (Basella rubra). This heat loving Asian vine has lovely red stems and delicious, succulent leaves that are great in salads, stir fries and perfect for smoothies. The vines produce tons of deep purple berries. The flavor is fairly bland, however the color is an extraordinary purple. Super high in anthocyanin, excellent as a natural dye for fabrics and foods. A delicious green that can be grown as an annual in many areas or as a perennial in sub-tropical areas. Not frost hardy.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Basella rubra
Life Cycle
Tender perennial
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
14–21
Days to Maturity
70
Planting Depth
½ in.
Plant Spacing
16 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Red Malabar spinach is best planted in late spring or early summer, after the last frost. In warmer regions (USDA Zones 7 and above), it can be direct-seeded outdoors 2-3 weeks after the last frost date. In cooler areas, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant once temperatures stabilize​. If you’re not sure how to find your area's first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Malabar spinach seeds should be planted about 1/2 inch deep in well-drained, warm, fertile soil. Soak seeds overnight before planting. Space seeds 1-2 inches apart, thinning to about 16 inches apart once seedlings are established. Scarifying the seeds (scratching the surface lightly) can help improve germination.

How to Grow

This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, which may result in larger, more succulent leaves. It thrives in moist, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil evenly moist, as dry conditions can lead to bitterness and early flowering. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.

How to Save Seeds

  • You can easily clonally propagate this plant by taking cuttings in fall and rooting them in water. Keep the plant as a houseplant over winter and root more cuttings in spring to transplant out. Seed saving is also possible.
  • For seed saving, allow purple fruits to mature and become soft and wrinkly. Save seeds and rinse with water before sun drying. Store seeds in an airtight container for up to 3 years in a cool, dark, dry location.

FAQ

How should Malabar spinach be harvested?

Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth. You can start picking leaves once the plant has developed 8-10 leaves. Always leave some foliage on the vine to ensure continued growth. Use scissors or garden shears to cut the leaves, which will help maintain plant health.

Can Malabar spinach tolerate frost?

No, it is very sensitive to frost and should be grown as an annual in areas with cold winters.

Can Malabar spinach be grown indoors?

Yes, it can be grown indoors in large containers. Make sure that the plant receives plenty of sunlight (or supplemental light) and regular watering. A support structure will be needed for the vines to climb.

Browse our full range of spinach seeds.

Customer reviews

3.9 / 5 83 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Thrives in brutal heat: Keeps growing through 100 degree summers when other greens bolt.

  • Ornamental vine: Burgundy stems and glossy leaves cover a trellis; grown for looks too.

  • Best cooked: Thick succulent leaves turn mild in eggs, omelets and stir fries.

  • Soak before sowing: Slow to germinate and start; a 24 hour soak and warm soil help.

  • Heads up: Raw leaves can be slimy and earthy; not a true spinach flavor.

More to grow!

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