How to grow Kang Kong (Water Spinach) in Australia
A fast, water-loving green for full sun in rich, constantly wet soil, or even shallow standing water. Keep it generously watered at all times, as it never wants to dry out, and feed often with a nitrogen-rich liquid feed for lush leaves.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 8 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 20 cm
- Time to harvest: 45 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to March | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to March | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | November to February | Marginal tropical; shorter viable window than SEQ; needs sheltered warm site. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | Not suited | Melbourne too cold year-round. Summer frost risk (May to Sept) kills plant. Needs 15°C min; not viable. |
| Adelaide & SA | Not suited | Mediterranean: unsuitable. Kang Kong (water spinach) tropical; requires year-round warmth. Not viable Adelaide/Perth. |
| Perth & WA | November to February | Marginal coastal at best: needs a permanently wet frost free corner through summer. Sow Nov to Feb in warm wet spots; most Perth gardeners do better buying it. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Tropical water green needing 20C plus. Not viable in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Kang Kong unsuitable for Canberra: tropical vine; frost kills it. Use silverbeet or amaranth instead. |
| North Queensland | September to March | Wet season staple Sep to Mar. Kangkong is tropical leafy green heartland crop. Grows year-round; thrives in humidity. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to March | Wet season staple Sep to Mar. Kangkong is tropical leafy green heartland crop. Grows year-round; thrives in humidity. |
Varieties
- Land Kangkong (Upland)
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Cut the tender shoots and leaves when stems are young and snap cleanly. Take the top growth and leave the base, and it regrows fast for repeat cutting.
Storage
Fridge in a damp cloth, up to 3 days. Use quickly once picked.