Kangkung - Ipomoea aquatica NEW

Description:

Kangkung (Water Spinach) – Ipomoea aquatica

Kangkung, also known as water spinach, swamp cabbage, or ong choy, is a fast-growing leafy green native to Southeast Asia and parts of southern China. It has been cultivated for thousands of years across tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in wetland and riverine environments. From Asia it spread widely throughout the tropics, becoming a staple vegetable in many cuisines due to its productivity, mild flavour, and adaptability to warm, wet conditions.

How to Grow

Kangkung thrives in warm weather and grows best in full sun, though it tolerates partial shade. It prefers consistently moist soil and excels in boggy ground, ponds, shallow water, or well-watered garden beds. Ideal temperatures are above 20°C, and growth slows dramatically in cool conditions. In drier garden beds, regular watering is essential to keep the stems tender and prevent bitterness. Kangkung is a vigorous grower and can be harvested repeatedly by cutting young shoots, encouraging continuous regrowth.

Propagation

Propagation is most commonly done from stem cuttings, which root extremely easily. Cut healthy stems 20–30 cm long and place them directly into moist soil or shallow water; roots will form within days. Kangkung can also be grown from seed, though this method is slower and less common in home gardens. Once established, plants spread rapidly, so spacing and containment are important.

Culinary Uses

Kangkung has crisp stems and tender leaves with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It is most famously used in stir-fries, often with garlic, chilli, shrimp paste, or fermented bean products. The leaves wilt quickly when cooked, making it ideal for fast, high-heat cooking. It can also be added to soups, curries, and noodle dishes, or lightly blanched and served with sauces. Young shoots are the most prized for their tenderness.

Applications in a Permaculture System

In permaculture, kangkung is valued as a highly productive, fast-cycling green that converts water and nutrients into edible biomass. It is well suited to aquaponics, greywater systems, and wet-zone gardens, where it can help absorb excess nutrients and reduce runoff. Regular harvesting prevents it from becoming invasive while supplying continuous yields. Kangkung also functions as a living ground cover in warm, wet areas, shading soil and suppressing weeds, making it a useful plant in tropical and subtropical food systems.