How to Grow Water Chestnut in Australia
A warm-season root crop for the home garden
Growing Water Chestnut at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$8-12/kg. Fresh water chestnuts are incomparably better than tinned.
This guide covers when to plant Water Chestnut in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Water Chestnut is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in October, November, December and January. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Eleocharis dulcis
The standard Chinese water chestnut. Crisp, sweet, mild flavour. The only species commonly grown in Australia.
Try: Green Harvest, specialist growers, farmers markets (fresh corms for planting)
Position and Soil
Give Water Chestnut full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 50cm+ tub with standing water, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 5 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 30 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 22 and 32 degrees.
Aquatic crop. Grows in shallow standing water (10-15cm deep). Plant corms in a large tub, half-barrel or bog garden. Grassy sedge-like tops, the edible corms form underground. Harvest when tops brown off in late autumn. Fresh water chestnuts taste nothing like the tinned version.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 25 L per plant every day in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Few. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Water Chestnut is typically ready to harvest in about 6 months. Fridge in water for up to 2 weeks. Peel and freeze for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, water chestnut is good sliced raw into salads for crunch, stir-fried in Asian dishes, added to san choy bau and used in Thai and Vietnamese soups. Nutritionally: low calorie, high in fibre and good source of potassium and manganese.
Companion Planting
Water Chestnut grows well alongside Kangkong and Taro. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Water Chestnut Growing
Add water chestnut to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Water Chestnut in Australia?
Water Chestnut is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in October, November, December and January. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Water Chestnut take to grow?
Water Chestnut is generally ready to harvest in about 6 months.
Can I grow Water Chestnut in a pot?
Yes. Water Chestnut grows well in a container of 50cm+ tub with standing water with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Water Chestnut need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Water Chestnut in the Plant Library
