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When to plant Malabar Spinach in Union County, AR

Union County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Plant Malabar Spinach between March 29 (after last frost on March 22) and April 19.

When to Plant Malabar Spinach in Union County, 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.

Union County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 226 days.

At an elevation of 508 feet, Union County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Malabar Spinach during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Malabar Spinach root diseases.

Union County, AR (Zone 8b) Long season
226 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
226 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Malabar Spinach Planting Timeline — Union County, AR

Malabar Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 19
Direct Sow March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 19
Harvest May 31 May 31 – Jun 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

226 days in Union County

Growing Tips for Union 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Malabar Spinach in Union County, AR?

Union County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Malabar Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, AR?

Union County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Malabar Spinach in Union County, AR?

In Union County, AR, plant Malabar Spinach after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Union County, AR for Malabar Spinach?

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

Can Malabar Spinach grow in Union County's climate?

Yes — Malabar Spinach grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 226-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 3.

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Your Union County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 8b). 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 Union County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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