Edibles – 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