It's a very fleshy plant- not heavy nor that strong. In the tropics (where I lived once) we simply let it grow on the ground without support, but if you prefer to use a trellis, a bamboo support will do.

It likes to sprawl but I train mine upwards. I start it on a trellis and then let it grow onto the top of a wooden fence. It won't grab on it's own and needs to be tied. I think the red variety's stems might be a tiny but thicker then the white one. Have you eaten it? I don't mind the taste but can't get past the texture. It's slimy like okra but the berries are ok in salads. The berry juice from the red variety will stain anything it touches so be careful. It's used as a natural purple dye.
Karyn

Thanks, both of you! That helps a lot! I had visions of having to build a massive structure.
No, I have not eaten it and I am not sure I will try it, especially after that slimy review. I can't handle okra, but I like the way it looks. Maybe this will be the same.
Alana

i had malabar but i don't know the kind, do you know the kind you have? if its red??i want to get both kinds if i can, LOL maybe when mine has seeds this fall/summer we can swap seeds?? :')) i got mine from grovespirit, i guess i should mention that LOL :'))

Hi Medo,
Mine are from a commercial pack. The photo on the pack has red stems so ostensibly it will be a red one. I'll try to save some for you.
A

haha. Lovely to look at, but hate the texture too.

http://picasaweb.google.com/preetha.mahadevan/LeavesAndDiseases#5445502354938654658