Malabar Spinach in Zone 10a & 10b
Basella rubra
When to plant malabar spinach in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Malabar Spinach tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Dec 19–Dec 26 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 6–Feb 13 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 17–Apr 24 (~70 days after planting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 6-10 ft.
Malabar spinach isn't a true spinach at all, but a heat-loving vining green with a mild flavor and a thicker, more heat-tolerant texture than actual spinach, which bolts and turns bitter the moment summer heats up.
How malabar spinach fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Malabar Spinach needs about 70 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Malabar Spinach.
Where to buy malabar spinach seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing malabar spinach" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Malabar Spinach in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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