Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) seeds
- Kangkong – a staple food in Southeast Asia, and a hidden gem for sunny, moisture-retentive beds in our climate.
- Contents: Approx. 20 seeds
- Open-pollinated variety, seed tested regularly
€2.79
Description
Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), also known as Kangkung, Kangkong or Morning Glory, is a highly productive, heat-loving leafy vegetable native to tropical Asia. It belongs to the bindweed family (Convolvulaceae) and is closely related to the sweet potato – a connection reflected in its attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers in white or violet.
In many Asian countries, water spinach is considered a staple food: in Thailand and Indonesia, it is commonly stir-fried in wok dishes; in Vietnam and China, it is served steamed or fermented as a side vegetable. It is also valued in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for its cooling and digestive properties.
The plant thrives in moist, humus-rich soil – originally even in still water. However, it can also be grown successfully in containers on sunny balconies. Its long trailing stems grow rapidly and can be harvested once the shoots reach around 20–30 cm in length. Young leaves and stems have a mild, spinach-like flavour and are rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins.
Plant profile
| Plant type | Herbaceous plant, Marginal pond plant |
|---|---|
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Species | Convolvulaceae |
| Region of origin | Asia |
| Characteristics | Needs darkness to germinate, Not winter-hardy |
| Flower colour | Lilac, White |
| Flowering months | August, July, June, September |
| Main harvest | August, July, June, May, October, September |
| Winter hardiness zones | 10 (-1 bis 4 °C) |
Growing instructions
| Sowing depth | 1 cm |
|---|---|
| Germination temperature | 15-20°C |
| Climate | Tropical |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Water requirement | High |
| Planting distance | 10 cm |
Sowing and care
Sowing and Cultivation
- Sowing: Indoors all year round or from late February for early propagation. Direct sowing outdoors possible from May onwards.
- Preparation: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 12–24 hours prior to sowing.
- Sowing depth: Sow approximately 1 cm deep in seed compost.
- Germination temperature: Ideally between +20–25?°C; germination may take up to 14 days.
- Location: Full sun and consistently moist soil – regular watering is essential!
- Plant height: Up to 3 m with support for climbing.
- Harvest: First shoots can be harvested after approx. 4–6 weeks; regular cutting encourages regrowth.
Picture source: Carolin Engwert, garden blog Hauptstadtgarten
Other names
Botanical name: Ipomea aquatica
German: Wasserspinat, Kangkong, Kangkung,
English: Water spinach, Kangkong, Kangkung, Morning Glory
French: Liseron d’eau, Épinard d’eau, Kangkung
Italian: Spinacio d’acqua, Kangkong
Spanish: Espinaca de agua, Kangkong
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