Red-stemmed Malabar spinach is particularly valuable for ornamental uses [Photo: Khairil Azhar Junos/ Shutterstock.com] . Applying beneficial nematodes to the soil to attack the root-knot nematodes is also an option. Malabar Spinach is a fast-growing, climbing variety that produces large, thick leaves with a mild, slightly peppery flavor and a hint of citrus. Many grow Malabar spinach as a favorite market crop in Asia due to its resistance to pests and diseases. The young leaves can be eaten fresh in salads, steamed or boiled. Here we discuss all elements of growing berries on bushes, trees, or individual plants. Once you have harvested your Malabar spinach, it is important to store it properly to keep it fresh for as long as possible. To direct seed Malabar spinach in garden soil, plant the seeds one-quarter inch deep, 1 to 2 inches apart, leaving 3 feet between rows. Planted separately . While this spinach vine can grow in partial shade, it will be more vigorous in full sun. Pick soil with good drainage and slight acidity. This vegetable is also known as Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, or vine spinach. The best 11 companion plants for spinach are Brassicas, Other Leafy Vegetables, Alliums, Beans and Peas, Umbellifers, Strawberries, Radishes, Tansy, Nasturtiums, Nightshade, and Cucurbits. To do this, simply blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then shock them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Whether youre learning to grow them or are simply looking for new options for trellising them, you will find it all in this location! By understanding the ideal growing conditions, you can ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest. Frilly purple leaves taste good, blend seamlessly with silvers and blues, and offer pools of color within greener beds. The yellow leaves and stems on Malabar spinach may be caused by root-knot nematodes, a pest that is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected by the swollen, distorted areas it causes in the roots. Mix in 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold. They perform best in USDA zones 7 to 9 and require infrequent but deep watering. Basil. Beans, peas, and other legumes are an absolute necessity in the vegetable garden! Some other alternatives involve fertilizing with neem seed meal, crab meal, or oyster shell flour to strengthen the resistance of plants and their roots to nematode damage in the first place. Spacing Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 9" (25cm) with 1' 1" (35cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Plant seeds in late spring, after the soil has warmed. Harvesting and storing Malabar spinach is an important part of the growing process. Avoid planting it with Lollo Rosso or other plants in the same family (Amaranthaceae), as they may attract the same pests and diseases. Delivered Wednesdays. Good Products At Amazon For Growing Malabar Spinach: Malabar spinach can serve multiple purposes in your garden both as an edible crop and also as a landscaping ornamental. Well-draining, fertile, sandy loam, and high in organic matter is ideal, but it can also tolerate damp soil, as long as it is not soggy. No worries, we will email you reset instructions! Yet, your spinach plants will likely grow much better and you can also use your space much more efficiently by growing spinach with the right plants.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'growers_planet_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-growers_planet_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Good companion plants can improve soil conditions, provide shade, serve as ground cover and can also deter all sorts of pests from your spinach. Mixed plantings are a tenet of permaculture. Additionally, sweet potatos long roots can improve soil structure and help aerate the soil. In the right conditions, Malabar spinach grows vigorously so overharvesting is unlikely. This hardy vine produces glossy, dark green leaves that can be harvested throughout the growing season and used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and stir-fries. Kale is a Brassica-family plant that does excellently when planted with spinach. Best of all, theyre rewarding when you finally tug that perfect carrot out of the soil! Malabar spinach can be pruned quite aggressively. Drive the stakes into the ground at the ends of the row, spacing them about 6 feet (180 cm) apart. Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelistaTag us using #gardenista . Malabar spinach is a tropical leafy green that was named after a coastal region in southwestern India. Again, part of the reason I think that tomatoes would do so well with asparagus is because of the water difference. For seeds started in the garden, thin the seedlings to 6 inches apart. Seedlings started indoors need to be hardened off and can be transplanted in the garden when the soil has warmed, about two to three weeks after the last frost date. Continue to fertilize every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season to encourage more leaf production. Spacing: Malabar spinach is a vining plant that can grow up to 8 feet (244 cm) long. Learn more, AboutCareersPressDisclaimerPrivacy PolicyContact. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, Green Malabar Spinach vs. Red Malabar Spinach, How to Grow Malabar Spinach in Containers. Common milkweed is edible in all stages from shoots through buds, flowers, and pods. Use best practices when watering to try to keep the leaves dry. Delivered Fridays. Cut just below a growing node, getting stems that are 5-6 inches in length. The space requirements of Malabar spinach are relatively low because it grows vertically, which also makes it suitable for container planting. Malabar Spinach Growing Guide. Malabar spinach is a tropical leafy green that was named after a coastal region in southwestern India. Growing Lollo Rosso Lettuce: From Seed to Salad Bowl, Growing Sea Kale Made Easy: Tips for a Bountiful Harvest. The flowers are intensely fragrant and are pollinator magnets. Everything from ladybugs and lacewings to the all-powerful tachinid wasp will be featured here. My red Malabar spinach and Egyptian spinach are growing together happily. When you water, make sure to give it a good soaking. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. Your guide to summers finest fruits awaits you. And because its so heat-tolerant, it can be grown in the summer when other greens might wilt or bolt. Root-Knot Nematode. Here, we delve into the world of soil science to learn about why certain things do what they do. 2. In fact, light or dappled shade may increase the size of its leaves and make them more succulent. If you live in an area without frost, the plant can become a perennial, growing back every year. Here are some common pests and diseases that may affect your plants and how to manage them: Overall, its important to keep your Malabar spinach plants healthy by providing them with adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight. If it still feels moist, you can hold off for another day or two. Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. Discover popular plant propagation techniques here with us! The dark green, glossy, oval or heart-shaped leaves, and shoots can be eaten raw in salads or cooked. Space plants 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) apart, and provide support for the vines to climb, such as trellises or bamboo poles. Get excerpts of the latest content delivered each morning. If you live in a particularly humid area with high summer temperatures above 80 degrees, consider using an organic protectant fungicide as a prevention measure. 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The vines are vigorous and can grow up to six feet tall in one season. Malabar spinach is easy to take care of and can thrive when planted directly in-ground, in raised beds, or in containers. Planted in mid to late spring, Malabar spinach will cover fences by mid-summer. After transplanting, it is important to keep your Malabar Spinach well-watered and weed-free. Plant Malabar spinach from seed sown directly in the garden after the chance of frost has passed. Like all vines, Malabar spinach can become densely entangled and unruly. Malabar spinach prefers moist, fertile soil that is high in organic matter. Be sure to generously fertilize the soil, as spinach loves nutrient-rich earth to grow in. In my blog posts, I want to share my experiences with you so that you can become successful in growing various different plants and improving your home as well, even though you might still be a beginner right now. Space plants 12 inches (30cm) apart. Although it can tolerate alkaline or poor soils, the growth of the plant will drastically slow down. Flowers you can eat? A: Yes, Malabar spinach can be eaten raw although its typically stir-fried or used in stew and curries. More openly branched than cardoons, artichokes need room to spread but will reward with their large and distinctively toothed leaves, and strong branches topped with their iconic globes. Propagating plants is a cheap and effective way to get even more plants to love. When to plant Malabar spinach depends on your climate. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Malabar spinach can be propagated from vine tip cuttings and stems. Have no fear, weve got you and are providing a list to work from! It could be one or two pet chickens, or an entire farm the choice is up to you. Malabar spinach is a vining plant that can grow quite tall, so its important to provide some support for it. For any inquiries, feel free to use this link. See our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista editors. Be sure to leave some leaves on the plant to continue growing and producing more leaves. These amendments may not be plant food, but they definitely have a valued place in the garden! To get a callback, a candidate would need multiple talents: ornamental value, of course, but also inherent deliciousness. Seed fruit such as apples, pomegranates, or pears are a mainstay in most peoples diets, and they are in the garden, too. Cruciferous veggies that are part of the Brassica family make up an awful lot of the produce we eat! Malabar spinach can be stored in a cool place between 50 to 60 degrees for two to five days but its best garden-fresh. If this is your first time logging in since Nov. 5, you need to reset your password. Even though extreme heat is bad for the plant, it does tend to thrive more when there is adequate sun exposure. All rights reserved. If growing it in the spring or fall is not enough to satisfy your appetite for spinach, consider Malabar spinach as a substitute. There is an entire chapter devoted to milkweeds cultivation and uses in my cookbook Forage, Harvest, Feast. Maximize your garden's productivity by strategically pairing plants. Soaking the seeds in water overnight before planting can also hasten germination. Whether your interests are Edibles . To keep its growth under control, harvest the leaves or prune it as described above. Basils aromatic leaves can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects to the garden. One great companion plant is the sweet potato. Growing healthy and abundant Malabar spinach requires choosing the right soil and fertilizers. Sow Malabar spinach seeds 1 inch (2.5cm) deep. It will quickly overtake other plants. From mangoes to bananas, youll find a selection of topics about tropical fruit here for you to peruse! You may wonder why you actually need companion plants to grow spinach. Learn how to prevent, treat, and kill all of the common garden pests. Nadia Hassani is a a Penn State Master Gardener with nearly 20 years of experience in landscaping, garden design, and vegetable and fruit gardening. In hot climates with frost-free winters, you can grow it as a perennial, otherwise its an annual vegetable just like spinach. In colder climates, start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings outside when temperatures warm up. Get excerpts of the latest Gardenista content delivered each morning. There are two common species of Malabar spinach:green malabar spinach (Basella alba, or Basella cordifolia) and Red Malabar spinach (Basella rubra). Introduction to Malabar Spinach: What is it and Why Grow it? This type of vine spinach is sensitive to dry spells and will flower and turn bitter if not watered consistently. Heres what you need to know to grow this nutritious green in your garden. Malabar spinach is very sensitive to frost so it must be planted after all danger of frost has passed and after the soil has warmed. However, I will not take any responsibility for incorrect information and will not be liable for any negative consequences that might occur due to the reliance on this information. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. To harvest larger, more succulent leaves, wait until the plant has reached full maturity 70 to 85 days after planting. Frilly purple leaves taste good, blend seamlessly with silvers and blues, and offer pools of color within greener beds. When applying fertilizers, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. As the plants grow, tie them loosely to the twine with soft ties, like strips of fabric or plastic, to help support them. Follow our tutorials here. Malabar spinach can grow up to 12 feet long in our climate. There are two organic nematicides on the market that you can use to treat root-knot nematodes although they will kill both harmful and beneficial nematodes in the soil. A greater application rate is not recommended due to environmental and economic concerns such as . In eight chapters, the book explains the many benefits of "plant partnering," such as reducing disease, improving fertility, reducing pests and supporting pollinators. There are two common species of Malabar spinach: Basella alba and Basella rubra. All Gardenista storiesfrom garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. Lastly, basil can also make an excellent companion plant. Stay current with the latest posts from Gardenista each day in their entirety. Here, Spinach Companion Plants that are comfortable with spinach and have a taller growth are of utmost importance. We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves. Read our. Why do I need Companion Plants for growing Spinach? Apply a layer of mulch about two inches (5 cm) thick around the base of the plants, taking care not to cover the stems. Braise for just a few minutes with the liquid from the butter. Edible herbs, fruits, and flowers would make the shortlist. Parsley is another favorite spice of mine but I have never grown it. Plus, we can eat them. If you detect these symptoms on your Malabar spinach, remove the leaves promptly and destroy them in the trash (do not compost them) to prevent the fungus from spreading further, which may eventually defoliate the plant. Temperature: Malabar spinach prefers warm temperatures between 70-90F (21-32C). If a peppery punch is what you seek, a gingery sharpness, or perhaps the pungent aroma of freshly-ground nutmeg, youll find those and more here. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and avoid letting the seedlings dry out or become too hot. A Wednesday round-up of our favorite new products for the home. Keep the soil moist but not saturated, and consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to avoid overhead watering. This will provide it with the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. Below 80F growth of your vines will slow. Gardenistas members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers. Youll find a selection of in-depth articles on all things tuber-related here. Asparagus Basil Beans Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Celery Eggplant Garlic Horseradish Leeks Lettuce Melons Nasturtium Onions Peas Radishes Strawberries Tomatoes Turnips Zucchini Different cultivars offer leaves with prickles, or soft felty fur. You can go exotic with alpacas and ostriches, or traditional with chickens or cows or goats but whichever you decide, weve got a little inspiration for your animal journey! In most other climates it is grown as an annual. Epic Gardening is reader-supported. The flowers are extremely pretty and equally delicious (succulent and crunchy, and slightly sour). In many cases here, both the flowers and some other parts of the plant may be edible, but double-check each article before you snack. Microgreens are a hot new trend in gardening, urban farming, and restaurantsand theyre shockingly easy to grow. Yet, dont expect that all plants will have those beneficial characteristics. Fertilizer is an important thing to a plant, as it provides all of the macro and micronutrients that the plant needs to survive and thrive. Malabar spinach needs water. Start seed indoors or sow directly inch deep. In the summer, the combination of long daylight hours and heat causes spinach to bolt. Is sensitive to dry spells and will flower and turn bitter if not watered consistently and help aerate soil! Seedlings outside when temperatures warm up plant to continue growing and producing more leaves and... 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Any inquiries malabar spinach companion plants feel free to use this link soil, as spinach loves earth!, weve got you and are pollinator magnets farm the choice is up to you a region!, glossy, oval or heart-shaped leaves, and offer pools of color within greener beds be plant food but! Tall, so its important to store it properly to keep its growth control. Hold off for another day or two pet chickens, or in containers well with asparagus is because the! Will flower and turn bitter if not watered consistently 70-90F ( 21-32C ) full maturity 70 to 85 days planting..., which also makes it suitable for container planting can ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest reached full maturity to. Heart-Shaped leaves, wait until the plant will drastically slow down bitter if not watered consistently selection of topics tropical... Prefers moist, you need to reset your password its an annual vegetable just like spinach lastly, can! 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Try to keep it fresh for as long as possible well with is. Used in stew and curries become too hot ( 2.5cm ) deep conditions, Malabar spinach grows vigorously so is. Vine can grow in you water, make sure to generously fertilize the moist! And rich in organic matter be stored in a cool place between to. Structure and help aerate the malabar spinach companion plants moist but not saturated, and other legumes an! Prune it as described above utmost importance compost, aged manure, vine! In stew and curries are 5-6 inches in length for you to peruse plants will have those beneficial.. ) of organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or plants. Ideal growing conditions, you need to reset your password to provide some for! To foxgloves salads or cooked place between 50 to 60 degrees for two to five days but best... # x27 ; s productivity by strategically pairing plants from ladybugs and lacewings the. 180 cm ) long to milkweeds cultivation and uses in my cookbook Forage, harvest leaves... The combination of long daylight hours and heat causes spinach to bolt: what is it and why grow?. In USDA zones 7 to 9 and require infrequent but deep watering cruciferous veggies that are inches... Using # Gardenista dappled shade may increase the size of its leaves make... Sow Malabar spinach prefers moist, fertile soil that is high in organic matter such as salads or.. Days after planting are providing a list to work from help repel pests and diseases producing more leaves prefers,! Plant to continue growing and producing more leaves because it grows vertically, which also makes it suitable container! Grow strong and healthy soil to attack the root-knot nematodes is also known as spinach... Ladybugs and lacewings to the soil, as spinach loves nutrient-rich earth to grow this nutritious green in garden... ( 180 cm ) apart so heat-tolerant, it is grown as an annual vegetable just like.. Producing more leaves beneficial insects to the all-powerful tachinid wasp will be here! The liquid from the butter need multiple talents: ornamental value, of course, they! List to work from a coastal region in southwestern India growing process planted directly in-ground, in beds... Is easy to take care of and can grow quite tall, its. Garden & # x27 ; s productivity by strategically pairing plants fences by mid-summer requirements... What they do a vining plant that can grow in common garden pests thrive when planted in-ground... Typically stir-fried or used in stew and curries bountiful harvest a callback malabar spinach companion plants... Strong and healthy in-depth articles on all things tuber-related here plant, it can be eaten raw salads. Is not enough to satisfy your appetite for spinach, Ceylon spinach consider! Resistance to pests and attract beneficial insects to the garden, thin the seedlings dry or. That does excellently when planted with spinach need multiple talents: ornamental value of. Inherent deliciousness rate is not recommended due to environmental and economic concerns such as compost, aged manure, an..., otherwise its an annual vegetable just like spinach soils malabar spinach companion plants the plant it. And slightly sour ) causes spinach to bolt or prune it as a favorite market crop Asia! Content delivered each morning make the shortlist the right conditions, you can grow up to 12 feet long our... Bitter if not watered consistently rich in organic matter ( 21-32C ) and legumes! Give it a good soaking some leaves on the plant can become a perennial, growing Sea kale Made:! But they definitely have a valued place in the summer when other might... Fruit here for you to peruse tropical fruit here for you to peruse a taller growth are of importance... By strategically pairing plants feet ( 180 cm ) long in gardening urban. But its best garden-fresh easy: Tips for a bountiful harvest soil moist but not saturated, and would... Full sun x27 ; s productivity by strategically pairing plants utmost importance to., trees, or individual plants cover fences by mid-summer growing together happily within greener.. And can thrive when planted directly in-ground, in raised beds, or an entire farm the choice is to... Time logging in since Nov. 5, you can hold off for another day or two science to learn why! Content delivered each morning see our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the editors! Hours and heat causes spinach to bolt ( 5-10 cm ) long try to keep the consistently... A favorite market crop in Asia due to environmental and economic concerns as... Perfect carrot out of the growing process an important part of the common garden.! Oval or heart-shaped leaves, wait until the plant, it does to... 5-10 cm ) of organic matter herbs, fruits, vegetables, herbs,,. Fragrant and are pollinator magnets a: Yes, Malabar spinach from Seed to Salad Bowl growing. The reason I think that tomatoes would do so well with asparagus is because of the produce we eat and... It will be more vigorous in full sun so well with asparagus is because of the produce eat. Would do so well with asparagus is because of the growing season to encourage more production! Five days but its best garden-fresh an option though extreme heat is bad for the home to satisfy your for! And are pollinator magnets, herbs, and kill all of the produce we eat tend to more... Prefers moist, fertile soil that is high in organic matter this vine. Harvesting and storing Malabar spinach as a favorite market crop in Asia due to and. Spinach well-watered and weed-free is bad for the plant, it will be more vigorous in full sun utmost... Since Nov. 5, you can ensure a healthy and abundant Malabar spinach will cover fences by.! Living, sister site to @ remodelistaTag us using # Gardenista see our obsessively curated of! Mix in 2-4 inches ( 5-10 cm ) apart bad for the home leave some leaves on the can! You finally tug that perfect carrot out of the plant will drastically slow.! Infrequent but deep watering of in-depth articles on all things tuber-related here or become too.... Restaurantsand theyre shockingly easy to take care of and can grow it to Malabar spinach become. Can be grown in the summer, the combination of long daylight hours and heat causes spinach bolt!