Summer Spinach Seeds - Malabar, Red Stemmed
Best heat-tolerant green for gardeners seeking summer harvests.
Enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh greens with Summer Spinach Seeds - Malabar, Red Stemmed. This heat-loving annual vine is the perfect solution when traditional spinach bolts in the summer sun. The 'Rubra' variety boasts attractive red stems and produces thick, glossy leaves that can be cooked like spinach or Swiss chard. For optimal growth, train these vining plants up a trellis or fence. Remember to soak seeds for 24 hours before planting and sow them after the last frost for a bountiful summer yield. These greens thrive in full sun to partial shade.
$3.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Botanical Name
.
/ Basella alba v rubra
Who it's for
- Cooks wanting a continuous supply of fresh greens all summer
- Gardeners in hot, humid climates struggling with traditional spinach
- Homeowners seeking edible landscaping for trellises and containers
Who should skip it
- Growers in short-season regions with cool spring soil temperatures
- Eaters who prefer crisp, non-slimy textures in their greens
- Gardeners lacking space or infrastructure for vertical climbing plants
Performance breakdown
Heat Tolerance
Thrives in sweltering conditions where traditional spinach varieties quickly bolt.
Vertical Versatility
Vining habit makes it an excellent choice for space-saving vertical gardening.
Ornamental Appeal
Striking red stems add a decorative touch to any vegetable patch.
Germination Preparation
Requires a 24-hour soak to ensure consistent and successful sprouting.
Culinary Utility
Thick, glossy leaves offer a versatile texture for cooking or salads.
Seasonal Productivity
Provides a reliable, continuous harvest throughout the peak summer months.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Basella alba v. rubra
Minimum Seeds per Packet
50
Packet Weight
3g
Days to Maturity
70 days
Planting Season
Summer
Sowing Method
Direct Seed or Transplant
Seed Depth
0.5 inches
Mature Spacing
6 inches
Features
- Thrives in summer heat when others bolt
- Produces thick, glossy, edible leaves
- Features attractive red stems ('Rubra')
- Vining habit ideal for vertical gardening
- Harvested like spinach or Swiss chard
- Annual vine for seasonal production
- Heat tolerant summer green
What customers say
Gardeners overwhelmingly praise these Malabar spinach seeds for their exceptional heat tolerance, thriving reliably through summer when traditional spinach fails. Reviewers value the vigorous vining growth and the aesthetic bonus of striking red stems. While the texture differs slightly from true spinach, most customers find this a minor trade-off for a continuous, high-yielding harvest. The seeds offer excellent value, providing a dependable leafy green option during peak heat. Success depends on planting in sufficiently warm soil. This variety is highly recommended for continuous summer production.
Know before you buy
Unlike traditional spinach, which bolts and turns bitter in hot weather, Malabar spinach is a heat-loving vine that thrives in summer temperatures. It produces thicker, succulent leaves with a slightly different texture that holds up well when cooked.
Yes, for the best germination results, you should soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them. This helps soften the seed coat and encourages faster sprouting.
Absolutely, but because it is a vining plant, you will need to provide a trellis, fence, or stake for it to climb. Growing it vertically is an excellent way to save space in a small garden or on a patio.
You can harvest individual leaves or snip off the growing tips as needed throughout the summer. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more side shoots, extending your harvest window.
No, Malabar spinach is strictly a heat-loving annual. It is very frost-sensitive and should only be planted once all danger of frost has passed in the spring.
With a mature spacing of 6 inches, you can fit several plants in a relatively small area. Starting with a full packet of 50 seeds will provide a generous yield, even if you only have space for 5 to 10 plants.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$4