How to grow Water Chestnut in Australia
Grow in full sun in a flooded bed or container of rich mud with water held above the soil all season. Keep the water level topped up, as the corms form in the warm mud below.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 25 litres a week, watered every 1 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 180 days
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | October to January | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | October to January | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | November to January | Marginal. Needs warm standing water. Western Sydney possible. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | Not suited | Not viable. Needs warm standing water and long frost-free season. |
| Adelaide & SA | Not suited | Not viable. Needs warm standing water. |
| Perth & WA | October and November | Plant corms Oct to Nov in a tub or old bath of mud in full sun. The frost free plain gives the 7 months it needs; drain and harvest in winter. |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. Needs warm standing water for a long season. Not viable in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Not viable. Needs warm standing water and long frost-free season. |
| North Queensland | September to February | Extended warm season. Excellent in wet conditions. |
| Darwin & Top End | September to March | Extended season. Wet-season growing ideal. |
Varieties
- Eleocharis dulcis
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Corms are ready once the leaves yellow and die back, several months after planting. Drain the bed and dig through the mud to lift the corms.
Storage
Fridge in water for up to 2 weeks. Peel and freeze for months.