Water spinach (kangkong) Ipomoea aquatica
Water spinach (kangkong) (Ipomoea aquatica) is an annual vegetable in the Convolvulaceae family, native to Tropical Asia (South and Southeast Asia). It grows 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 8 °C (46 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Water spinach (kangkong) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Mature height | 20–50 cm (8–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 8 °C (46 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 50 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: young shoots and leaves (cooked) |
| Native to | Tropical Asia (South and Southeast Asia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇨🇳 China, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
| Invasive in | US (federal noxious weed; Florida, Texas and other states), Australia (declared weed in several states): check local rules before planting |
Is Water spinach (kangkong) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Eaten as a vegetable; shoots grown in polluted water can carry contaminants and parasites, so cook thoroughly.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Water spinach (kangkong)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Water spinach (kangkong)
- How far apart should I plant Water spinach (kangkong)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Water spinach (kangkong) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Water spinach (kangkong) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Water spinach (kangkong)?
- It tolerates about 8 °C (46 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Water spinach (kangkong) flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks.
- Is Water spinach (kangkong) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Eaten as a vegetable; shoots grown in polluted water can carry contaminants and parasites, so cook thoroughly.
- What grows well with Water spinach (kangkong)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Water spinach (kangkong). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- A tropical perennial grown as a cut-and-come-again annual in moist soil or shallow water. Banned or restricted in several regions because it chokes waterways; check local rules before growing.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet potato Ipomoea batatas
- Morning glory Ipomoea purpurea
- Moonflower Ipomoea alba
- Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) Convolvulus cneorum
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum