Malabar Spinach

Growing

Malabar spinach is a vigorous, soft-stemmed vine that grows in the heat of summer and loves tropical warmth. Provide a sturdy trellis or support structure, as the plant can climb many feet in length. It handles various light levels, but growth is fastest when daytime temperatures stay between 70 and 90 °F. If temperatures drop toward the lower end of that range, expect growth to slow.

When preparing your garden, aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil, between pH 6.0 and 7.0, and make sure the ground is well-drained to avoid waterlogged roots. You can grow this plant in containers or directly in the ground. The "Rubra" variety has deep reddish-purple stems, whereas the standard variety has green stems and leaves.

Harvest the thick, heart-shaped leaves once they are mature, but before the plant reaches full maturity, for the best quality. Because the leaves do not ripen further once picked, harvest them when they are ready for your recipe. To preserve the harvest, blanch the leaves before freezing them for later use. Store unwashed leaves in the refrigerator.