Malabar Spinach - Red (15 seeds)

Malabar Spinach Red

Malabar Spinach 'Red' is a vigorous tropical climbing vine producing dark green, spinach-like leaves on striking burgundy stems that are as ornamental in the garden as they are useful in the kitchen. The fleshy, glossy leaves have a pleasant, nutty flavour similar to Swiss chard and can be used in the same way as standard spinach in stir-fries, soups, and salads. A beautiful and productive dual-purpose plant that thrives in the warm growing conditions of a New Zealand summer.

Growing to 1.8 m, this frost-tender vine can be grown on the ground or trained onto a trellis for cleaner, easier harvesting. It performs best in warm, sheltered positions with fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture, making it an ideal summer leafy green for warmer New Zealand regions where standard spinach tends to bolt.

Planting Season: Spring, Summer
Sow: Indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant after frost risk passes
Spacing: 30–45 cm apart with trellis support optional
Height: Climbing vine to 1.8 m
Germination: 10–21 days in warm conditions
Harvest: 85 days; pick young leaves and shoot tips regularly
Flavour: Mild, nutty, and similar to Swiss chard

15 seeds