How to grow kangkong in a raised bed

Kangkong (water spinach) is the fast, tender Asian green behind many a stir-fry — a heat-and-moisture lover that grows at astonishing speed in a warm, wet raised bed.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun; loves heat & water
• Spacing: 15–20 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm+ depth, kept wet
• Time to harvest: 4–6 weeks

When to plant: Kangkong is frost-tender and loves the heat — grow it from late spring through summer. It grows fastest in warm, wet conditions. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing it in a raised bed: Sow or plant into rich mix in a spot you can keep very wet — it even grows standing in shallow water. Cut it back and it regrows quickly for repeat harvests.

Watering and feeding: Keep it constantly wet and well-fed — the more water and warmth, the faster it grows.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main one is rust, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.

Companion plants: Give it a hot, moist corner; it partners other Asian greens well. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Cut the tender stems and leaves once they're 20–30 cm long; it'll reshoot for several more pickings. Use fresh, stir-fried in minutes.

More growing guides: Malabar spinach, warrigal greens and amaranth.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Wee Hong, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.