VLoveof Nature

Malabar spinach

Basella alba

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Malabar spinach · Basella alba

Succulent climbing leaves for cooling soups; give pots a small trellis.

Care and placement

Likes full sun 6–8 hours (afternoon shade in extreme heat), warm moist weather of 21–32 °C, humus-rich evenly moist soil and a trellis at least 1 m tall; pinch tips for more leaves.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 200 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 80 cm

Things to consider

Malabar spinach is a familiar leafy vegetable; eat only washed, cooked leaves and tips. The ripe fruit contains a purple-red juice used as food colouring and should not be eaten in quantity.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Soak seed in warm water for 24 hours then sow; space 30–45 cm apart next to a trellis at least 1 m tall (vines reach 3–5 m in one season so the support must be strong). Humus-rich, draining soil at pH 6.0–6.7 with compost mixed in.

  2. Light

    Full sun (about 6–8 hours) with afternoon shade in very hot climates; growth is slow below 27 °C and stops below 16 °C.

  3. Watering

    Keep soil evenly moist and mulched; letting it get too dry makes the plant flower and cuts leaf production.

  4. Feeding

    Balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks or all-purpose organic every 4–6 weeks; add aged compost or manure at planting.

  5. Pruning

    Pinch tips to branch and yield more foliage; cut overlong vines to prompt new growth; remove flowers to prolong leaf production.

  6. Propagation

    Cuttings of healthy stems with at least 2 nodes in water or moist soil (spring or early summer best); or seed soaked in warm water for 24 hours.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Spider mites, aphids and whiteflies; powdery and downy mildew; leaf miners in hot dry spells; leafhoppers. Keep airflow and remove diseased leaves.

  8. For a bigger harvest

    For plentiful greens: enough sun, a strong trellis, moist humus-rich soil, steady feeding, pinching and removing flowers. Pick leaves and young tips continuously from about 60 days after planting.