50days to harvest

7-14 daysdays to germinate

Z1–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm

Cultivation

Sun: Part sun
Water: Regular
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Height: 6-8 feet
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Dark green leaves with deep red/purple stems
Shape: Savoyed, ovate leaves
Flavour: Mild, Swiss chard-like flavor with tender young leaves suitable for fresh use and cooking.

In the kitchen

Fresh salads, stir-fries, cooked greens

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, spider mites, beetles
Diseases: Leaf spot, powdery mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	July – September
2	—	—	May – July	July – September
3	—	—	May – June	June – October
4	—	—	April – June	June – October
5	—	—	April – May	June – November
6	—	—	April – May	May – November
7	—	—	March – May	May – November
8	—	—	March – April	April – December
9	—	—	February – March	March – December
10	—	—	January – March	March – December
11	—	—	January – February	February – December
12	—	—	January – February	February – December
13	—	—	January – February	February – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids and whiteflies that commonly attack Malabar spinach

TomatoesMalabar spinach provides living mulch and ground cover while tomatoes offer climbing support

PeppersBoth enjoy warm weather and similar growing conditions, peppers deter some leaf-eating pests

MarigoldsRepel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting Malabar spinach

BeansFix nitrogen in soil which benefits the leafy growth of Malabar spinach

CucumberSimilar heat and moisture requirements, can share vertical growing space

OkraBoth thrive in hot, humid conditions and complement each other's growth habits

Avoid

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most leafy vegetables

BrassicasCompete for similar nutrients and may attract pests that also damage Malabar spinach

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that is harmful to most vegetables including Malabar spinach

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g): 0.742
Fat (g): 0.0738
Carbohydrate (g): 3.37
Vitamin K (µg): 20.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.0401
Calcium (mg): 14.2
Iron (mg): 0.0332
Magnesium (mg): 6.31
Phosphorus (mg): 19.2
Potassium (mg): 139
Zinc (mg): 0.173

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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Red Malabar Spinach