# Heat Tolerant Salad Greens to Grow Through Summer

- Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/heat-tolerant-salad-greens-to-grow-through-summer/
- Published: 2026-09-14T15:28:41-05:00
- Author: Bert Swope

With these heat tolerant varieties of salad greens, your greens supply can last 
through the entire summer even after traditional cool-season crops bolt.

These greens are easy to grow in garden beds with rich, well-draining soil. Harvesting
regularly will help the plants withstand the intense summer sun and they thrive 
when planted alongside other summer vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers.

## Red Aztec Spinach

Many gardeners enjoy growing leafy greens like kale, spinach and collards but find
they have trouble keeping them producing in the heat of summer. That’s because these
varieties tend to bolt when temperatures get too hot – diverting all their energy
toward seed production instead of leaves growth. To combat this issue, select varieties
which tolerate heat well.

There are plenty of options out there; all that matters is knowing where to look.

Common spinach varieties typically bolt when exposed to heat. But there are some
heat-tolerant varieties that can extend harvest season far past traditional cool-
season salad greens! Consider planting these unique edibles for maximum harvest 
potential!

## Malabar Spinach

Malabar spinach (Bassila rubra) is not technically a spinach; however, its heat 
tolerance makes it suitable for growing all year long. A vineing leafy green similar
to arugula but with stronger lemon-pepper notes than its counterpart; Malabar spinach
can be eaten raw or cooked and is popularly featured in Asian grocery stores as 
an addition to salad mixes or as an ingredient in soups and stews.

After frost danger has passed, direct seeding or transplanting should begin in your
garden or greenhouse. Seeds should be soaked for 24 hours prior to sowing them at
quarter inch deep spacings between 2 inches apart for best results and faster germination
rates. Soaking also aids with rapid start times.

Malabar can be planted from mid-April to early June as a warm season crop, as its
preferred location. Frost won’t damage it as it prefers hot, humid conditions; full
sun or light or partial shade are both suitable locations; Malabar may require support
via trellises as it grows quickly.

Harvest leaves, stems and vine tips regularly throughout the growing season to maintain
a balanced plant while encouraging new growth. You may need to trim just above joint
locations, or cut entire plants entirely for additional branching purposes. Regular
harvesting ensures an ample supply of leaves for salads and soups during this season.

## Red Orach

Orach (commonly referred to as mountain spinach) is one of the oldest cool season
greens, dating back several millennia. A highly heat tolerant variety, orach can
survive summer’s extreme temperatures without bolting; its leaves boast vibrant,
trippy magenta colors while being resistant to common pests like cabbage worms and
loopers, growing quickly in well-cultivated soil with plenty of sunlight. These 
characteristics combine for an excellent spinach-like flavor in salad mixes!

Orach deepens in hue as it cooks, turning meals into visual displays of garden-to-
table goodness. Try it in mixed salads, sauteing it with garlic and olive oil, or
tossing into soups and stews – its heartiness and nutritional content make it an
excellent replacement for spinach when temperatures heat up in hot weather!

Seeds should be sown directly in the garden between March and July when soil temperatures
have subsided, for an undemanding plant with low site tolerance and minimal nutrient
needs. It thrives best in rich, well-drained soils. Fertilisation may not be required
at first; however a slow-release liquid or mineral fertiliser may be beneficial 
in depleted soils. Regular cutting encourages leafy growth for repeat harvests throughout
the growing season (unlike true spinach which is sensitive to frost). Orach has 
long been used both on kitchen tables and gardens alike! This hardy, vibrant heirloom
has long since graced kitchen tables and gardens alike!

## New Zealand Spinach

New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides), an unconventional warm season vegetable,
thrives under our hot summer conditions and grows one to two feet tall, featuring
thick succulent leaves with lemony-salty flavors. Packed full of vitamins A & C 
as well as iron & calcium content.

Growing vigorously even in tropical and coastal environments, kales thrive despite
heat and drought stressors and are disease and pest-resistant – leaf miner resistance
being one example; harvesting tender leaves regularly also promotes further growth
for an uninterrupted supply throughout the summer season.

Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting to increase germination rate. Sow outside
on or after the last frost date or start transplants indoors 3-4 weeks beforehand;
plant directly outside afterward or start transplants indoors 3-4 weeks ahead of
that. Sow quarter-inch deep seeds in loose, well-draining garden soil amended with
organic matter, water consistently, fertilize monthly with high nitrogen fertilizer,
mulch with plastic row covers for easier weeding!

As with other heat-loving leafy greens, New Zealand spinach contains high concentrations
of oxalates that may become toxic at very high concentrations. To lower this risk
of poisoning from excessive exposure to oxalate compounds, blanching for three minutes
before draining them and refreshing in cold water is suggested in order to lower
risk.

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