Outsidepride Malabar Spinach Seeds - 200 Seeds Malabar spinach can be grown as a perennial vegetable or herb used for culinary purposes or ornamental purposes in USDA Zones 8 - 11. Basella Rubra is a climbing, vine plant that can reach 10 feet tall climbing up trellises, mailboxes, arbors, etc. Provide a trellis or arbor, and it will soon make a very attractive vining plant with deep green, edible leaves and violet blooms. The big, leafy, leaves can be used throughout the summer either cooked or in salads. The taste is a bit different than traditional spinach. Sow 1 to 2 seeds for every plant you desire in your herb garden. There are many cooking recipes you can find utilizing malabar spinach.