How to grow water spinach in Australia
Ipomoea aquatica
Also called kang kong, kangkong, kangkung
Water spinach, or kang kong, is a semi-aquatic plant eaten for its tender shoots, thought to have been domesticated first in Southeast Asia. Its long stems root at the nodes and stay buoyant thanks to a hollow centre, and it grows on moist soil or in water itself. Flowers are trumpet-shaped, usually white with a mauve throat.
On a shared plot: can spread
Can become invasive in waterways. Keep it in a sealed tub, away from drains, and check your state's weed list.
When to sow
We don't have reliable timing for this crop yet. Ask the growers at your garden.
Growing details
- How to start
- Sow directly in the bed
- Sowing depth
- 5mm
- Plant spacing
- 30cm
- Row spacing
- 50cm
- Height
- 300cm
- Germination
- 5-21 days at 25-30°C
- Time to harvest
- 40-60 days
- Frost
- Frost tender
- Sun
- Part sun
- Life cycle
- perennial, grown as an annual in cool climates
These are typical figures, and varieties differ. Your seed packet takes priority.