Malabar Spinach Seeds: Growth, Care and Everything You Need to Know

Malabar spinach is a leafy plant that grows well in hot weather. It is different from regular spinach and can be grown in summer gardens. This plant grows quickly and has green or red stems. The leaves are soft and mild in taste, full of vitamins and minerals. Malabar spinach can be used in salads, soups, or stir-fries. It is easy to grow in containers and small spaces, making it great for home gardens. It is popular in South and Southeast Asian dishes.  If you are looking to grow your own Malabar spinach, starting with quality Malabar spinach seeds is key to a successful harvest. 

In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about Malabar spinach seeds, from how to plant and care for them to the many benefits this versatile vegetable offers.

What is Malabar Spinach?

Malabar Spinach Seeds: What You Need to Know

When it comes to Malabar spinach seeds, there are two main types: the green-stemmed Basella alba and the red-stemmed Basella rubra. These small, round seeds are dark brown to black and about 3-4 mm in size. When buying Malabar spinach seeds, make sure to choose fresh, high-quality seeds from trusted sellers.

The green variety is more common and handles heat better, while the red variety has bright, beautiful stems. Look for seeds that are plump, have a uniform color, and are free of damage. You can find Malabar spinach seeds at online stores, garden centers, or local supply shops, with prices ranging from $3 to $7 per packet, though prices may vary. These seeds grow best in warm soil and germinate in 7-14 days.

Why Grow Malabar Spinach from Seeds?

Growing Malabar spinach from seeds is a great choice for both new and experienced gardeners. It’s cheap, as one packet of seeds can grow many plants, saving money compared to buying mature plants. Starting from seeds gives you full control over the plant’s growth.

These seeds are easy to grow and usually sprout in 7-14 days when planted in warm soil. Malabar spinach can grow in containers, vertical gardens, or garden beds. You can pick from green-stemmed or red-stemmed varieties. The seeds are hardy and don’t need special tools, just basic gardening supplies. Growing from seeds lets you grow the plant organically, avoid diseases, and enjoy the fun of watching it grow from the start.

How to Plant Malabar Spinach Seeds: Step by Step Guide

Choosing Quality Seeds: Start by choosing good-quality Malabar spinach seeds. Make sure the seeds are fresh for the best chance of successful growth.

Ideal Growing Conditions: Plant Malabar spinach seeds when soil is warm and nights stay above 60°F. Pick a warm spot with temperatures between 70-95°F. Malabar spinach doesn’t like the cold.

Planting the Seeds: Plant the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Use small pots or seed trays filled with good potting soil. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 2-3 inches apart.

Maintaining Moisture and Humidity: Keep the soil moist but not too wet. Cover the seed tray with plastic to keep the humidity high, helping the seeds sprout.

Germination and Growth: Place the seed tray in a warm area with indirect sunlight. The seeds should sprout in 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have 2-3 leaves and the outdoor temperature is above 60°F, begin hardening them off by placing them outside for short periods.

Transplanting Outdoors: When the seedlings are ready, transplant them into a sunny or partly shaded spot. Be sure to set up a trellis or stakes for support because Malabar spinach is a climbing vine. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.

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Caring for Your Malabar Spinach Plants

Sunlight and Temperature Needs: Malabar spinach loves heat and needs full sun or partial shade. It does best in warm weather between 70-90°F and doesn’t like cold temperatures.

Watering and Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not too wet. Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry, about 1-2 inches of water each week. Use mulch to help keep the soil moist and cool.

Fertilizing: Fertilize once a month with organic fertilizer (5-5-5 or 10-10-10) or compost to provide nutrients for healthy growth.

Pest Control: Malabar spinach is mostly pest-resistant, but watch for aphids, spider mites, or leaf miners. You can use neem oil or ladybugs to help manage pests.

Malabar Spinach Pruning

Pruning Malabar spinach is important for healthy growth. To prune, pick mature leaves from the top. This helps the plant grow more leaves and not get too tall or messy. Remove any flower buds and growing tips to focus on leaf growth.

Use clean, sharp scissors to cut above a leaf. Prune every 1-2 weeks, especially during the growing season. Take off any yellow, damaged, or diseased leaves to keep the plant healthy. Trim back long vines and use supports like stakes or trellises to guide growth. Regular pruning keeps the plant healthy and gives fresh leaves for a longer time.

How to Grow Malabar Spinach Seeds in Containers

Growing Malabar spinach in containers is great for small spaces like patios or balconies. Choose a container that is 12-14 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill it with good potting mix that drains well. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, 2-3 inches apart. Place the container where it gets 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet.

The seeds will sprout in 7-14 days. As the plant grows, add a trellis for support. Fertilize once a month. Harvest the leaves regularly to keep the plant growing. Malabar spinach likes warm weather and grows best when it is above 60°F.

When and How to Harvest Malabar Spinach Seeds

Harvesting Malabar spinach seeds needs careful timing. As the plants grow, they will make small white or pink flowers that turn into dark purple or black berries. This happens about 8-12 weeks after planting. Let the berries ripen and dry on the plant until they look dark and a little wrinkled. Then, gently remove the berries and crush them to get the small seeds inside.

Dry the seeds on a paper towel for 3-5 days in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Store the dried seeds in a cool, dry container with a tight lid, and label them with the variety and date. If you want a steady supply of Malabar spinach, leave a few plants to make seeds and keep planting new seeds every 4-6 weeks. When stored well, seeds can last 2-3 years.

Uses of Malabar Spinach in the Kitchen

Malabar spinach is a great vegetable that can be used in many ways in the kitchen. It has soft, slightly peppery leaves and is commonly used in Asian dishes like stir-fries, curries, soups, and saag. The leaves have a unique texture and can easily replace traditional spinach in most recipes.

Raw or Cooked: The leaves can be eaten raw in salads, where they add a crisp texture, or they can be quickly cooked. Cooking them helps retain their nutritional value and delicate taste while keeping their mild, peppery flavor intact.

Nutritional Benefits: Malabar spinach is very healthy, packed with vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and fiber. These nutrients make it a great addition to health-conscious diets, supporting good vision, strong bones, and overall wellness.

Popular Recipes: It is used in many recipes, including traditional Indian palak paneer, Vietnamese stir-fries with garlic and protein, and Korean banchan (side dishes), where the leaves are lightly sautéed with sesame oil and garlic. Its heat tolerance makes it perfect for summer cooking.

Natural Thickener: Malabar spinach is known for its mucilaginous properties, meaning it naturally thickens soups and stews. This makes it an excellent choice for adding richness to dishes while enhancing the flavors of other ingredients.

Conclusion

Malabar spinach is a unique and valuable plant for both gardeners and cooks. It is easy to grow, offers many health benefits, and can thrive in warm conditions. Whether you are looking for a heat-tolerant green for your garden or a new ingredient for your meals, Malabar spinach is a great choice. By learning how to plant and care for it, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious leaves all season long. Growing Malabar spinach is a rewarding experience that adds both flavor and beauty to your garden or kitchen.

FAQs

Can you grow Malabar spinach from seeds?

Yes, Malabar spinach can be grown from seeds. They sprout in 7-14 days in warm soil (70-95°F). Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant outdoors when temperatures are above 60°F.

Can we eat malabar spinach seeds?

Malabar spinach seeds are not eaten, but they can be collected to grow new plants. The leaves and stems, however, are edible and commonly consumed.

What is Malabar spinach used for?

Malabar spinach is used as a leafy vegetable in cooking. It is common in stir-fries, soups, curries, and salads, especially in South Asia. It is known for its mild flavor and high nutrition, including vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron.

Can I eat Malabar spinach raw?

Yes, Malabar spinach can be eaten raw in salads. It has a crisp texture and mild, slightly peppery taste.

How fast does Malabar spinach grow?

Malabar spinach is a fast-growing vine, reaching 6-10 feet in a season. It typically matures in about 70 days.

What is the difference between red and green Malabar spinach?

The main difference is the stem color. Red Malabar spinach (Basella rubra) has red stems, while green Malabar spinach (Basella alba) has green stems. Both grow similarly and have the same nutrition and uses.

What is the best fertilizer for Malabar spinach?

The best fertilizer is a balanced organic one with an NPK ratio of 5-5-5 or 10-10-10. Apply it monthly during the growing season. You can also add compost for better nutrients.

What is the best time to grow spinach?

Traditional spinach grows best in cool seasons (50-70°F), but Malabar spinach likes warm temperatures (70-95°F) and is perfect for summer gardening.