How to Grow Malabar Spinach in Australia
A warm-season leafy crop for the home garden
Growing your own Malabar Spinach is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$2-4/week, perennial climbing plant that produces heavily in SEQ summer.
This guide covers when to plant Malabar Spinach in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Malabar Spinach is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Malabar Spinach full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 25cm+ with trellis, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 1 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 40 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 24 and 35 degrees.
Climbing vine with thick glossy leaves, the answer to "what grows in SEQ summer". Train up a trellis. Red-stemmed variety is beautiful and productive.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids. The main diseases to watch are None common. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Malabar Spinach is typically ready to harvest in roughly 7 weeks. Fridge in a bag, up to 3 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, malabar spinach is good sautéed as a spinach substitute, added to curries and soups, used in Indian and Filipino dishes and stir-fried with garlic and chilli. Nutritionally: good source of vitamins A and C and contains minerals and antioxidants.
Companion Planting
Malabar Spinach grows well alongside Corn and Beans. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Malabar Spinach Growing
Add malabar spinach to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Malabar Spinach in Australia?
Malabar Spinach is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Malabar Spinach take to grow?
Malabar Spinach is generally ready to harvest in roughly 7 weeks.
Can I grow Malabar Spinach in a pot?
Yes. Malabar Spinach grows well in a container of 25cm+ with trellis with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Malabar Spinach need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Malabar Spinach in the Plant Library
