- Malabar spinach
Botanical name: basella alba
Beginner friendly?: no
Average size at maturity: climbs up to 33 ft
Bloom time: late spring, summer, early fall
Hardy zone: zones 9-13
Flower color: white, purple, pink
Foliage color: green, red
Growth rate: can reach fully mature size in 1-2 growing seasons
Pruning instructions: deadhead and prune as needed to maintain desired shape and size
Propagation methods: root/tuber separation
Landscape use: vegetable garden
Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day
Special features: extremely fast growing
Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist without letting sitting water to accumulate
Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release vegetable plant food once a year in the spring
Best time to plant: spring
Best type of soil: loam
Companion plants: strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes
Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets
Invasive species: yes
