How to Grow Water Morning Glory in Australia
A warm-season leafy crop for the home garden
Growing Water Morning Glory rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-5/bunch. Grows so fast you can harvest every few days.
This guide covers when to plant Water Morning Glory 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 Morning Glory 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, January and February. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Green Stem
Standard Asian variety. Hollow stems, tender leaves. The one used in stir-fries.
Try: Green Harvest, Asian grocery (fresh stems root in water)
Position and Soil
Give Water Morning Glory full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 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 30cm+ kept wet, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 1 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 20 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 7 days, fastest when the soil is between 22 and 32 degrees.
Ipomoea aquatica. Also called water spinach, ong choy, rau muong. NOT the ornamental morning glory. Fast growing semi-aquatic green used throughout Southeast Asia. Grows in wet soil or shallow water. Extremely productive in warm weather. In SEQ and northern regions, grows vigorously Oct-Mar. Restricted weed in some states; check local regulations.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 10 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 Snails. 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 Morning Glory is typically ready to harvest in roughly 4 weeks. Fridge in a bag for 2-3 days. Best eaten fresh.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, water morning glory is good stir-fried with garlic and chilli, added to soups and curries, blanched and dressed with oyster sauce and used in Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Nutritionally: rich in iron and vitamins A and C and high in protein for a leafy green.
Companion Planting
Water Morning Glory grows well alongside Kangkong and Taro. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Water Morning Glory Growing
Add water morning glory 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 Morning Glory in Australia?
Water Morning Glory is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in October, November, December, January and February. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Water Morning Glory take to grow?
Water Morning Glory is generally ready to harvest in roughly 4 weeks.
Can I grow Water Morning Glory in a pot?
Yes. Water Morning Glory grows well in a container of 30cm+ kept wet with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Water Morning Glory need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Water Morning Glory in the Plant Library
