How to Grow Malabar Spinach in New Zealand
A heat-loving climbing vine that crops through summer in the warmer north when true spinach has long bolted. Train it up a trellis. It needs warmth and is slow to start until the soil is properly warm.
When to plant malabar spinach in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | September, October, November, December |
Best malabar spinach varieties for NZ
- Malabar Spinach (Green) — Climbing vine with thick glossy leaves used like spinach in summer. (Kings Seeds, specialty nurseries)
- Red-Stemmed Malabar — Ornamental red-stemmed form, just as productive and good on a trellis. (Specialty nurseries, Asian grocers)
How to grow malabar spinach
- Space plants about 40cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 50 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow malabar spinach near: Corn, Beans.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Slugs. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Malabar Spinach plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant malabar spinach in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy malabar spinach seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, specialty nurseries, Specialty nurseries.