Malabar Spinach in Zone 11a & 11b
Basella rubra
Yes, Malabar spinach grows in zones 11a and 11b. Start seeds indoors Nov 20–Nov 27 and plant out Jan 8–Jan 15.
When to plant Malabar spinach in zone 11b
Zones 11a and 11b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Either works.
| Start indoors | Nov 20–Nov 27 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jan 8–Jan 15 |
| Estimated harvest | Mar 19–Mar 26 (~70 days after planting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 6-10 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 11b
These go outside within two weeks of Malabar spinach in zone 11b, so one planting day can cover them.
- Luffa GourdJan 8–Jan 15
- PeanutJan 8–Jan 15
- AchiraJan 15–Jan 22
- Birdhouse GourdJan 15–Jan 22
- Bok ChoyJan 1–Jan 8
- CucamelonJan 15–Jan 22
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 11's season
Zone 11b is frost-free, so frost is not what limits the calendar here. What you can plant, and when, comes down to summer heat and daylength instead.
Malabar Spinach planting windows in every zone
Zone 11b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5a & 5b | Mar 29–Apr 5 | May 17–May 24 | Jul 26–Aug 2 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 14–Mar 21 | May 2–May 9 | Jul 11–Jul 18 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 27–Mar 6 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Jun 26–Jul 3 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 11–Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 10–Jun 17 |
| 9a & 9b | Jan 4–Jan 11 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | May 3–May 10 |
| 10a & 10b | Dec 19–Dec 26 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 |
| 11a & 11b (your zone) | Nov 20–Nov 27 | Jan 8–Jan 15 | Mar 19–Mar 26 |
Harvest dates are about 70 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for Malabar spinach.
Where to buy Malabar spinach seeds
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Red Malabar spinach (Basella rubra): Johnny's Selected Seeds sells this red-stemmed form as its main Malabar spinach offering; the growing requirements are the same as the plain green form, so this is what most gardeners plant. Buy: True Leaf Market · Burpee Full notes
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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 11b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Malabar Spinach in USDA zone 11b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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