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When to plant Malabar Spinach in Hackett, AR

Plant Malabar Spinach in Hackett, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 12. Continue planting through May 3 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Malabar Spinach in Hackett, AR

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

Hackett, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.

At an elevation of 796 feet, Sebastian County receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Malabar Spinach during the growing season.

Hackett, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
209 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
209 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Hackett Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Malabar Spinach

Malabar Spinach needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Malabar Spinach Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sebastian County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Malabar Spinach Planting Timeline — Hackett, AR

Malabar Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 – May 3
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Jul 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

55–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

209 days in Sebastian County

Growing Tips for Hackett

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Malabar Spinach in Hackett, AR?

In Hackett, AR, plant Malabar Spinach after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hackett, AR for Malabar Spinach?

Hackett sits in USDA Zone 8a. Malabar Spinach grows reliably in zones 7a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Malabar Spinach grow in Hackett's climate?

Yes — Malabar Spinach grows well in Hackett's temperate climate. Hackett averages a 209-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 31.

🌱

Your Sebastian County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sebastian County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Sebastian County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.