Kang Kong' 'Bamboo Leaf'

Product: Kang Kong' 'Bamboo Leaf'

Product type: SEED ()

Botanical name: Ipomoea aquatica

Syn.: Syn. Water Spinach.

Syn. Water Spinach, Swamp Cabbage, Kang Kong is a ground-hugging, perennial leaf vegetable with pretty white flowers. Botanically it is a close relative to sweet potato. It likes moist soil and can be grown as a bog plant on the edge of a pond or in a large pot set with the rim at water level in a pond. It is most suitable for subtropical and tropical areas. The young leaves, stems and tips are delicious in salads, cooked in a stir-fry or steamed. It is nutritious, being rich in iron and vitamin A.

Plant type: Warm season perennial, frost tender

Plant height: 45 cm

Sow when: Germinate best at 25 - 30°C soil temp.

Temperate: Spring behind glass for extra heat

Subtropical: October - February

Tropical: April - August

Germination: 3 - 10 days

Depth: 5 mm deep

Position: Sun or semi-shade

Sow where: In a seedling tray or seedbed

Soil type: Fertile, permanently moist soil; add organic fertiliser monthly; pH 6 - 7

Details: It can be invasive if planted in dams in the tropics

Harvest: 45 days for whole plants; young, tender leaves can be harvested sooner

Suitable for hot and humid: Suitable for hot and humid growing conditions