Malabar Spinach
Basella alba
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Pl. 8A59 — Basella alba
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IOverview
Overview
Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) is a perennial vine and herb native to regions including Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, India, and several other Southeast Asian countries. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is known for its edible leaves, which are often used in cooking. Malabar Spinach can grow up to 9 meters tall and is commonly found in gardens and as an ornamental plant due to its distinctive heart-shaped leaves. Its adaptability makes it suitable for cultivation in various climates within its native range and beyond.
Quick answers
What is Malabar Spinach?
Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) is a perennial vine and herb native to regions including Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, India, and several other Southeast Asian countries. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Malabar Spinach thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial vine that can grow up to 9 meters tall, making it suitable for trellises or fences. The plant is hardy in zones 9-11 but may require protection in colder climates. For propagation, direct seeding is recommended; if starting indoors, ensure the seedlings are hardened off before transplanting outside. Harvest the edible leaves for use in cooking.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
9.0 m tall
- Propagation
- Direct seed. If planting indoors, harden off before transplanting seedlings outside.
- Row spacing
- 30 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Malabar Spinach for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Malabar Spinach for a beginner-friendly gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, containers or garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are consistently above 15°C.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the garden or start indoors and harden off seedlings before transplanting.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Provide support for vines to grow upwards.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot weather. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and harvest young leaves for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing support, neglecting regular pruning, planting in too heavy soil, and waiting too long before harvesting.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:leaves
Edible uses: Colouring, Tea
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
17 native · 13 introduced
Distribution
17 native · 13 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 17 native· 13 introduced
Asia10 regions
native (9)BangladeshCambodiaIndiaLaosMyanmarPhilippinesSri LankaThailandVietnam
introduced (1)China
Americas4 regions
introduced (4)BelizeHaitiJamaicaUnited States
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)BeninCôte d'IvoireMalawi
Broader regions
native:Malaya, Sumatera, Maluku, Lesser Sunda Is., New Guinea, Sulawesi, Borneo, Jawa
introduced:Cook Is., Congo, Christmas I., Hainan, Leeward Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8a595bdc-fd68-4ca9-b077-75a0c7e6f8fa
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