Malabar Spinach in Zone 6a & 6b
Basella rubra
When to plant malabar spinach in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b 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 | Mar 14–Mar 21 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 2–May 9 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 11–Jul 18 (~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 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. 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 6b 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 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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