MALABAR SPINACH ‘Green Stem’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Basella alba
Malabar Spinach ‘Green Stem’ is a tropical, fast-growing vine prized for its glossy green leaves and mild flavour. Unlike traditional spinach, it thrives in warm and humid conditions and is perfect for summer gardens where regular spinach struggles. The fleshy leaves have a slightly mucilaginous texture when mature, making them excellent in soups, curries, and stir-fries. A beautiful addition to edible landscapes, it produces pink-purple flower spikes and can be grown on trellises, fences, or as a sprawling ground cover.
Why Grow Malabar Spinach?
- Thrives in heat and humidity—ideal for warm-season gardens
- Mild flavour and slightly thick texture—great for cooking
- Perennial in tropical zones; annual in temperate climates
- Climbs up to 3 metres with support
- Ornamental foliage and flowers suit edible landscaping
Growing Instructions
- Soak seeds overnight before sowing to improve germination.
- Direct sow or transplant into warm soil after the last frost.
- Provide vertical support such as a trellis, fence, or archway.
- Harvest leaves regularly to promote branching and dense growth.
- Can self-seed in warm climates—cut back at end of season if needed.
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Fast-growing climbing vine
Plant Height: 2–3 m with support
Sowing Information:
- Germination: 10–21 days @ 22–30 °C
- Depth: Sow 1–1.5 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Sow Where: Direct sow or transplant from trays once established
- Soil Type: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.5)
- Spacing: 30–45 cm between plants
When to Sow Malabar Spinach in New Zealand:
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | October – February | Sow direct or transplant when nights are warm. Grows well with support. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | November – January | Start in trays to get a head start. Choose warm, sheltered areas. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | November – January | Plant in warm microclimates or against sunny walls. Protect from wind. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | Not recommended unless grown in a greenhouse | Requires a long, warm growing season and frost-free conditions. |
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners:
- Start indoors in cooler regions and transplant once soil is warm.
- Provide strong vertical support early on to prevent tangling.
- Water consistently and mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Pick tender young leaves and shoots to encourage fresh regrowth.
Harvest:
Begin harvesting tender shoots and leaves 8–10 weeks after sowing. Regular picking encourages bushier plants and prolongs the harvest season.
