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When to Plant Malabar Spinach in Murray 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.

Murray County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.

At an elevation of 640 feet, Murray County receives approximately 23.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Malabar Spinach during the growing season.

Murray County, OK (Zone 7b) Long season
219 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
219 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Murray County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (123 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jun 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Jul 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Jul 24

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
1.3″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,468 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Malabar Spinach needs ~1,281 GDD — county provides 4,489 GDD Excellent fit

Malabar Spinach Planting Timeline โ€” Murray County, OK

Malabar Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 โ€“ Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ Apr 25
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 25
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 โ€“ Jul 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
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

219 days

Growing Tips for Murray 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 Murray County, OK?

Murray County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Malabar Spinach planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Murray County, OK?

Murray County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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