The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce that the June “Plant of the Month” is Malabar spinach.
Malabar spinach has over three times more vitamin C than spinach and over 1.5 times more vitamin A than kale. In addition, the leaves are good sources of vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and iron, with many other vitamins and minerals in lower quantities.
“Malabar is not a true spinach, but its leaves resemble spinach and are used similarly,” said Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford. “One benefit of adding Malabar spinach to your garden is that it is a climbing vine. It can be trained to grow on trellises or other supports, which helps maximize vertical space in gardens and increase overall productivity.”
June is a good time to grow Malabar spinach in North Central Florida. Check the
Plant of the Month website for information on planting, harvesting, recipes, and more. Listen to the
Extension Cord Podcast for further insights on the Plant of the Month.
The Plant of the Month program is a collaborative effort between the Alachua County Commission, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteers, Alachua County Public Library, and Working Food.
For more information, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County at 352-955-2402. Visit the
Extension Office website for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.