Malabar Spinach in Zone 9a & 9b
Basella rubra
When to plant malabar spinach in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Jan 4–Jan 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 22–Mar 1 |
| Estimated harvest | May 3–May 10 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. 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 9b 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 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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