Malabar Spinach Seeds – Green Vine (Basella alba)

The Tropical Climbing Green That Thrives in Summer Heat

When traditional spinach wilts in the summer sun, Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) hits its stride. This fast-growing, heat-loving vine produces thick, dark green fleshy leaves on lush green stems, climbing gracefully up trellises and arbors while delivering a steady supply of tender, nutritious greens all season long. Known across Asia by dozens of regional names, it's a beloved staple from the Philippines to Vietnam — and an outstanding choice for warm-climate gardeners everywhere.

Why Grow Malabar Spinach

• Thrives in heat and humidity where cool-season greens fail
• Ornamental climbing vine — reaches 10+ feet with purple-white blooms
• Heirloom, non-GMO, open-pollinated
• Harvest young leaves raw in salads or cook like traditional spinach
• Cut-and-come-again production for continuous harvests
• Matures in approximately 60 days

Seed Quantities

• 1 oz — approx. 800 seeds
• 4 oz — approx. 3,200 seeds
• 1 lb — approx. 12,800 seeds

Growing Guide

• Season: Late spring / early summer after last frost
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, fertile, well-draining; pH 6.5–6.8
• Sow depth: ¼ inch; 1–2 seeds per plant, spaced 9–12 inches apart
• Germination: 14–21 days at 65–75°F (scarify seeds to speed germination)
• Support: Provide a trellis or poles — vines grow vigorously and need structure
• USDA Zones: 8–11 as perennial; annual in cooler zones