Malabar spinach Basella alba
Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is an annual vegetable in the Basellaceae family, native to Tropical Asia (India and Southeast Asia). It grows 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Malabar spinach at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Basellaceae |
| Mature height | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–16 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 60 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: young leaves and shoots (cooked or raw in small amounts), fruit juice (colourant) |
| Native to | Tropical Asia (India and Southeast Asia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Is Malabar spinach toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves in large amounts
Leaves contain oxalates and saponins; heavy raw consumption can upset the stomach or aggravate kidney stones.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Malabar spinach
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Malabar spinach
- How far apart should I plant Malabar spinach?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does Malabar spinach need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Malabar spinach need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Malabar spinach?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Malabar spinach flower?
- About 10–16 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Malabar spinach poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Leaves contain oxalates and saponins; heavy raw consumption can upset the stomach or aggravate kidney stones.
- What grows well with Malabar spinach?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Malabar spinach. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- A tender perennial vine grown as an annual outside the tropics; flowering is promoted by short days, so pinch tips to keep leaf production going.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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