How to grow Climbing Spinach (Malabar)

This guide provides everything you need to know about growing Climbing Spinach (Malabar) plants, from sun requirements to fertilizing to harvesting.

Climbing Spinach is also known as Malabar and Ceylon Spinach.

Climbing Spinach prefers well draining soil with plenty of compost mixed in. 

Plant Climbing Spinach in a full sun position. 

No, Climbing Spinach is not frost tolerant. 

Plant Climbing Spinach around 40cm apart, will need a trellis to climb up. 

Malabar/Ceylon Spinach is a warm season crop, best planted in spring to grow right throughout the summer months. 

Seeds can be sown indoors in late winter and planted out in spring once the danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be direct sown in spring once temperatures have warmed to roughly 20°C (68°F)

If transplanting, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn. 

Apply an organic fertiliser throughout the season.

Harvest leaves and shoots as needed. Pinch off flower buds as they form to extend the harvest. 

Pests that affect Climbing Spinach include: Aphids, Slug, Snail, Root Knot Nematodes, Cutworm. 

Diseases that affect Climbing Spinach include: Cercospora Beticola Fungus. 

Climbing Spinach will need a large trellis for support. Produces a large number of purple berries, which will re-seed if allowed to fall in the garden.