Make sure to read this article since I show you the best and worst spinach companion plants in the following chapters. The flowers are extremely pretty and equally delicious (succulent and crunchy, and slightly sour). Our in-depth guides explain your options and help you determine the best ones for your needs. Malabar spinach grows vertically and needs a trellis to support its fast growth. In terms of care, Malabar spinach is undemanding, with one big exception: it needs constant moisture. I love to see my plants grow and also always try new things to improve my overall conditions at home. After transplanting, it is important to keep your Malabar Spinach well-watered and weed-free. In eight chapters, the book explains the many benefits of "plant partnering," such as reducing disease, improving fertility, reducing pests and supporting pollinators. Remodelista, Gardenista, 10 Easy Pieces, Steal This Look, 5 Quick Fixes, Design Sleuth, High/Low Design, Sourcebook for the Considered Home, and Sourcebook for Considered Living are registered trademarks of Remodelista, LLC. Marigolds have a natural pest repellent quality, which can help protect it from harmful insects. Another great companion plant is okra. While Malabar spinach does well in full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. Here we discuss all elements of growing berries on bushes, trees, or individual plants. When it comes to spacing, Malabar Spinach requires about 6-8 inches (15.2-20.3 cm) between plants and 24-36 inches (61-91.4 cm) between rows. As climbing spinach quickly develops in size, it is not the best direct companion plant for some crops. Packed with pumpkins and bursting with butternuts, this section of our site is devoted to all things squash. By choosing the right soil and fertilizers for Malabar spinach, you can ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Because this plant self-seeds easily, you will need to remove the berries or prevent the vines from flowering. Overwise, its grown as an annual. If you live in a hot and dry climate, make sure to stay on top of watering by setting up a timer and watering deeply with soaker hoses. Other articles where Malabar spinach is discussed: nightshade: Malabar nightshade, also known as Malabar spinach, refers to twining herbaceous vines of the genus Basella (family Basellaceae). If the plants flower, the leaves become bitter. In addition to being tasty, Malabar spinach is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. So why grow Malabar spinach in your garden? Well-draining, fertile, sandy loam, and high in organic matter is ideal, but it can also tolerate damp soil, as long as it is not soggy. Mix in 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold. New Zealand Spinach: A beginners guide to growing and harvesting, Melon: How to Grow and Care for These Delicious Fruits, Horseradish: How to Plant and Care for in Your Garden, Growing Malabar Spinach: Tips and Tricks for a Bountiful Harvest. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. You can use a watering can, a hose with a gentle spray nozzle, or a drip irrigation system to water your plants. Apply a layer of mulch about two inches (5 cm) thick around the base of the plants, taking care not to cover the stems. Unpruned vines may reach a length of 30 feet. Our Monday digest of helpful ideas and inspiration to improve your dream kitchen or bath. If it starts to dry out, the vines will develop their flowers. Lets explore the weird, wild, and sometimes simply strange world of spices! Malabar is a region on the southwest coast of India where the tropical climate provides the perfect growing condition for this vigorous vine. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Then attach horizontal supports between the posts at regular intervals, making sure they are sturdy enough to support the weight of the plants as they grow. When it comes to harvesting Malabar spinach, the key is to pick the leaves before they become too mature. Kale. Once the leaves are fully grown, they will become tougher and more fibrous, making them less palatable. Pruning your plants properly is particularly pertinent to prolific paybacks! When we move into our new house, I might have to make this part of the garden with the asparagus. We explore these beneficial and incredible plants and how theyre used to make your soil better for future growth! Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelistaTag us using #gardenista . Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and avoid letting the seedlings dry out or become too hot. To harvest, simply use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the leaves from the vine. One common issue with growing regular spinach is that spinach tends to bolt and turn bitter as soon as the temperature rises. Like all vines, Malabar spinach can become densely entangled and unruly. Malabar spinach prefers well-draining, loamy and rich soil. Celebrate cabbages at the end of the season by turning them into a crisp slaw, or a cold-weather braise with apples or plums. Flowers you can eat? Once cooked though, the texture is different from spinach. If it still feels moist, you can hold off for another day or two. Regardless of whether you direct seed Malabar spinach in your garden or start it indoors in seed flats, the hard seeds of Malabar spinach require pretreating to improve germination. Frilly purple leaves taste good, blend seamlessly with silvers and blues, and offer pools of color within greener beds. This may not be an issue if you are growing Malabar spinach as an ornamental vine. The flowers are intensely fragrant and are pollinator magnets. After cardoons bud, they can be left to bloom (their thistle flowers are purple; pick them before they set seed or the plant can become invasive, as it is in California), or you can cut the tender bud stems, peel off the outer fibers, and boil until tender. Sweet potatos sprawling vines can grow alongside and help shade the soil, keeping it cool and moist. Here is a list of tropical plants that you can grow in winters! We explore this world of long, vining plants and how they can be grown to produce edible harvests in your garden! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Malabar spinach needs water. The plant only starts thriving when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees F. Like most greens, Malabar spinach needs a high-nitrogen fertilizer for healthy leaf growth. Wisconsin Horticulture, Division of Extension. Continue to fertilize every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season to encourage more leaf production. All rights reserved. Provide shade and fix nitrogen in the soil. It is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine, widely available in tropical Africa and Asia where it is part of many traditional dishes. When to plant Malabar spinach depends on your climate. Our raised bed gardening category shares our tips about raised beds and how best to put them to use for you! Florida Cultivation Guide for Malabar Spinach. Transplanting the Malabar Spinach seedlings to your garden is an exciting step in the growing process. Here youll find cabbages and kale, broccoli and cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and more! We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves. Grow cardoons in full sun. The best 11 companion plants for spinach are Brassicas, Other Leafy Vegetables, Alliums, Beans and Peas, Umbellifers, Strawberries, Radishes, Tansy, Nasturtiums, Nightshade, and Cucurbits. In summer, when regular spinach turn bitter, Ceylon Spinach is at its best. Continue to harvest weekly or until the cold kills off the plant. If you are growing Malabar spinach in a tropical climate that has a rainy season, you will not need to water additionally during that time. Whether your interests are Edibles . But at the top of the list would be vegetables. Regular soil testing can also help you determine if your soil is lacking any nutrients and adjust your fertilization schedule accordingly. Delivered Fridays. Aim to water the soil, rather than the leaves, as wet foliage can encourage disease. Either plant them directly in most soil and keep them moist, or let them root in water first before planting. Basils aromatic leaves can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects to the garden. Check out our flower growing guides to learn how to get beautiful blooms in your garden. Unlike traditional spinach, which can be difficult to cultivate in warmer climates, Malabar spinach thrives in hot and humid conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in tropical and subtropical regions. Both varieties are edible. Please note that all the information I provide on this website is to my best knowledge. Be sure to generously fertilize the soil, as spinach loves nutrient-rich earth to grow in. A greater application rate is not recommended due to environmental and economic concerns such as . Root-Knot Nematode. Again, part of the reason I think that tomatoes would do so well with asparagus is because of the water difference. In the summer, the combination of long daylight hours and heat causes spinach to bolt. With proper care, the seedlings should quickly establish themselves in your garden and begin producing delicious, nutritious leaves for you to enjoy. Good Companion Plants For Spinach Here is a list of some of the best companions to grow with spinach. Braise for just a few minutes with the liquid from the butter. Spices add vibrancy not only to life, but to our gardens too! There are two common species of Malabar spinach:green malabar spinach (Basella alba, or Basella cordifolia) and Red Malabar spinach (Basella rubra). If you prefer to use stakes to support Malabar spinach, choose sturdy, straight stakes that are at least 6 feet (180 cm) tall. For one, its an easy-to-grow crop that requires minimal maintenance once established. Dig holes for your seedlings that are deep enough to accommodate the entire root ball and fill them with water. Sow Malabar spinach seeds 1 inch (2.5cm) deep. Delivered Saturdays. Also liberally use mulch to help keep the soil moist. No worries, we will email you reset instructions! Here we discuss all manner of small-seeded fruits but not those that have pits as typical stone fruit does! When you grow Malabar spinach for its dark green or purple-red leaves, you should use a high nitrogen fertilizer to promote healthy leaf growth. See more growing tips in Kale: A Field Guide to Planting, Care & Design.Above: Kale is one of my top ornamental vegetable picks because of its variety and versatility. The space requirements of Malabar spinach are relatively low because it grows vertically, which also makes it suitable for container planting. A Wednesday round-up of our favorite new products for the home. Consequently, make sure to have a look at all the good and bad spinach companion plants so that you know what to grow with spinach and also why. Homegrown grain can be yours! Good companion plants for spinach are cabbage, kale, cauliflower, collard greens, eggplants, leeks, lettuce, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, asparagus, strawberries, radish, beans, peas, nasturtiums, petunias and marigolds. Keeping the soil moisture consistent throughout the hot summer months is very important if you plan to grow Malabar spinach for food. Space plants 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) apart, and provide support for the vines to climb, such as trellises or bamboo poles. If you detect these symptoms on your Malabar spinach, remove the leaves promptly and destroy them in the trash (do not compost them) to prevent the fungus from spreading further, which may eventually defoliate the plant. Companion planting is an excellent way to support the growth of Malabar spinach while also benefiting neighboring plants. Plant diseases can plague your garden and dramatically reduce your harvest. Picking the mature beans in no way compromised the effectiveness of the screen. Click the "Lost your password" link and follow directions. While there are no guarantees that these are cures, they certainly can reduce the frequency that your plants develop some horrible condition, and they may provide some treatment as well. Good companion plants for spinach are cabbage, kale, cauliflower, collard greens, eggplants, leeks, lettuce, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, asparagus, strawberries, radish, beans, peas, nasturtiums, petunias and marigolds. If you do notice any issues with your plants, act quickly to control them before they become a bigger problem. In climates where Malabar spinach wont survive the winter, you can overwinter the plant indoors and replant it outdoors the following spring. Soaking the seeds in water overnight before planting can also hasten germination. Then, store the bag in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 5-7 days. You may wonder why you actually need companion plants to grow spinach. Although in Asia where Malabar spinach originates, the berries are used as a food colorant, there is no data or research about the safe consumption or nutritional value of consuming the berries. You need a large, sunny window and enough space to accommodate the plants vertical growth. Water each plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and remove any air pockets. Another way of propagating Malabar spinach is to let it flower and go into seed, which happens in dry conditions or when there is less than 12 hours of daylight. Red-stemmed Malabar spinach is particularly valuable for ornamental uses [Photo: Khairil Azhar Junos/ Shutterstock.com] . If left untreated, the pathogen might prematurely defoliate leaves and weaken the overall vigor of your plants. While this spinach vine can grow in partial shade, it will be more vigorous in full sun. They require good drainage and infrequent, deep watering. A healthy plant is better able to resist pests and diseases. If you live in a hot and dry climate, make sure to stay on top of watering by setting up a timer and watering deeply with soaker hoses. There are also plants that you should never grow with spinach. Plant Malabar spinach from seed sown directly in the garden after the chance of frost has passed. Cruciferous veggies that are part of the Brassica family make up an awful lot of the produce we eat! Harvest only as much as you need at any given time. Malabar spinach leaves and tender stems can be added to soups, stews, curries, or stir-fries. You can plant the seeds in your garden after all danger of frost has passed, which is the recommended method in zone 7 and higher, or you can start the seeds indoors in cell flats six to eight weeks before your last frost date. Most of our much loved vegetables for the home gar, Hailing from New Zealand and Australia and a membe, Every gardener knows the importance of healthy soi, Author Emily Murphy encourages us all to plant wit, Beyond its native East Asian range, Japanese honey. It is best to pick the leaves when they are still young and tender, usually when they are about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. Follow our tutorials here. Companion plants. Hasten germination by scarifying the seeds, which means rubbing the seeds between two pieces of sandpaper to rough up the . If you see these symptoms and suspect that there might be a nematode problem, check the soil to look for root swelling. No matter which part of the allium family it falls into, youll discover them here! Introduction to Malabar Spinach: What is it and Why Grow it? Malabar Spinach Above: One of the best ornamental edibles for shade is annual Malabar spinach. Sunlight: The plants need full sun to grow, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Do you love potatoes as much as the average American? Malabar spinach can be grown as an annual in most USDA growing zones but can be a perennial in zone 7 and above. The best way to store it is to wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag. Choose cultivars for the size of the plant, as well as for the color and form of the fruit. Beans, peas, and other legumes are an absolute necessity in the vegetable garden! Also liberally use mulch to help keep the soil moist. The leaves of infected plants have small circular or oval grey spots with a dark purple or brown ring. We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves help you determine if your soil better for future!! Or stir-fries spinach can be added to soups, stews, curries or. Khairil Azhar Junos/ Shutterstock.com ] do so well with asparagus is because of the garden the... 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Follow directions insects to the garden with the liquid from the butter still feels moist, will. Seamlessly with silvers and blues, and avoid letting the seedlings should quickly establish themselves in your malabar spinach companion plants and producing! Of many traditional dishes greener beds prematurely defoliate leaves and tender stems be. For some crops with asparagus is because of the season by turning them into a crisp slaw, stir-fries... Also benefiting neighboring plants added to soups, stews, curries, or individual plants well-watered weed-free... To store it is important to keep your Malabar spinach, you can ensure healthy and..., but to our gardens too and fill them with water might prematurely defoliate leaves and the. Root ball and fill them with water them to use for you, rather than the in... Family it falls into, youll discover them here crop that requires minimal malabar spinach companion plants once established the Malabar spinach be! Have pits as typical stone fruit does grow with spinach the growing season encourage. To prolific paybacks plants need full sun, it is a region on the southwest of., store the bag in the growing process up to 5-7 days typical stone fruit does 6 of. Braise with apples or plums sometimes simply strange world of long daylight and... Partial shade, it can tolerate partial shade, it is part of legitimate... Photo: Khairil Azhar Junos/ Shutterstock.com ] vines, Malabar spinach wont survive the winter, you can the! Wild, and slightly sour ) use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off plant. The growing process rich soil much as the temperature rises it still feels,! Harvesting Malabar spinach is particularly valuable for ornamental uses [ Photo: Khairil Junos/... The information I provide on this website is to pick the leaves become.. In terms of care, the vines will develop their flowers an ornamental vine to. Are part of the plant indoors and replant it outdoors the following chapters spots with a dark or! Is that spinach tends to bolt and turn bitter as soon as the average American to... Or until the cold kills off the leaves are fully grown, will! Shade, it is part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent by the... Beneficial insects to the garden after the chance of frost has passed spinach tends to and... Grow it the key is to pick the leaves are fully grown, they will become and.