Blog

When to Plant Malabar Spinach in Marshall County, OK

Malabar spinach is a tropical vine with thick, succulent leaves that taste similar to spinach. Unlike true spinach, it thrives in heat and humidity.

Marshall County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.

At an elevation of 520 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Malabar Spinach during the growing season.

Marshall County, OK (Zone 7b) Long season
233 days
Last Spring Frost March 24
233 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Marshall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (139 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 21 Transplant: Mar 25 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jun 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (135 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jun 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (132 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Jul 21

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
1.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 3,789 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Malabar Spinach needs ~1,188 GDD — county provides 4,427 GDD Excellent fit

Malabar Spinach Planting Timeline โ€” Marshall County, OK

Malabar Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 โ€“ Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 โ€“ Apr 21
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 โ€“ Apr 21
Harvest June 2 Jun 2 โ€“ Jun 30

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

55โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

233 days

Growing Tips for Marshall County

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors. Provide a trellis for the vigorous vines. Harvest young leaves regularly; older leaves become mucilaginous when cooked.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Malabar Spinach in Marshall County, OK?

Marshall County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Malabar Spinach planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marshall County, OK?

Marshall County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Marshall County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Marshall County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.