Where Can I Buy Water Spinach Seeds

It can be an invasive species if not controlled. AYESHA RASCOE, HOST: An Asian staple called water spinach is illegal in most states because it's considered an invasive species.

Can I grow water spinach?

Growing water spinach is very easy, as long as the soil is moist consistently. It grows vigorously in East, South and Southeast Asia. You can even start growing water spinach in containers in the non-tropical areas if you can plant the seedlings in sunny location and give them enough water.

What is another name for water spinach?

Other names for this plant include: Common names: Swamp morning-glory, kangkong, river spinach, Chinese spinach, water convolvulus.

How long does it take for water spinach to grow?

Harvest of the entire plant can be made 50 to 60 days after planting. Plants are harvested by cutting the stem close to the ground and then nitrogen is applied to encourage re-growth. Shoots regrow readily and in Massachusetts, growers will get two to three cuttings of water spinach before frost.

Is kangkong legal in US?

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), in charge of the country's agriculture sector, monitors and bans the distribution of kangkung in US markets. In America, water spinach is considered an aquatic nuisance species and is therefore highly regulated a.k.a. pests.

What season is water spinach?

Water Spinach is available year-round, with a peak season in the summer through early fall.

Is water spinach annual or perennial?

Water spinach is perennial in warm climates, but an annual under cooler growing conditions. It tolerates very high rainfall, but not frost.

Do you water spinach everyday?

Regular watering is essential in warm weather to prevent bolting. In general, spinach needs around 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. Rather than a weekly deep watering, it's better to water several times a week. Adding a layer of mulch around the plants also can help to maintain soil moisture.

What is the difference between spinach and water spinach?

Contrary to popular misconception, water spinach doesn't belong to the spinach family (Amaranthaceae). Instead, water spinach is a semi-aquatic plant in the Convolvulaceae (Morning glory) family. It also goes by the botanical name Ipomoea aquatica.

What is the best fertilizer for water spinach?

Water spinach should be provided with a balanced fertilizer, although it may not need much fertilization if the soil is rich enough. Organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, well-rotted manure, and compost or compost tea work very well for growing Water spinach.

Is water spinach invasive?

As its name indicates, water spinach is found in wetlands such as canals, lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, and rice paddies. This creeping, herbaceous vine has an extremely aggressive growth habit and, as such, can become an invasive pest by crowding out native species integral to the local flora and fauna.

Which is healthier spinach or water spinach?

Minerals. Spinach is richer not only in vitamins but in minerals as well. Spinach has 15 times more iron, five times more zinc, and nearly four times more magnesium than watercress. Spinach is also richer in potassium, copper and contains higher levels of sodium.

How many times can you harvest from one spinach plant?

If you leave the crown to grow back, you may be able to get three to four harvests from each plant, depending on your climate and growing conditions. After cutting, remove any faded, browning leaves from the bunch and relegate them to the compost pile.

Does water spinach need soil to grow?

Additionally, water spinach seeds need temperatures between 16 and 18 °C to germinate. For water spinach types that need substrate culture, the seeds should be soaked overnight in clear water before sowing them one centimetre deep in the soil. Water spinach needs a soil high in nutrients.

What is the best soil for water spinach?

Soil. Growing water spinach or kangkong needs evenly moist, wet, and nutrient-rich soil of pH level around 6 – 7.

What is kangkong in America?

Chinese water spinach, or kangkong – eaten widely across Asia, but considered a weed in the US | South China Morning Post. Chinese water spinach, also known as morning glory and kangkong, is frequently stir-fried with chili and shrimp paste. Photo: Xiaomei Chen. Chinese culture.

Is kangkong easy to grow?

How to grow: Kangkong is not difficult to grow providing the soil is rich in organic matter and water is readily avail- able. It can grow in full sun, preferably with some shade in the afternoon. The main roots require soil to grow but the plant, which has hollow stems, will easily spread over water.

What is kangkong in English?

Noun. kangkong (uncountable) Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), grown for food in parts of Southeast Asia. quotations ▼

How deep to plant water spinach seeds?

Plant the seeds - Spinach seeds should be planted 1/2" deep. If you're using fresh seeds, then you only need to plant one per hole.

Does water spinach taste like spinach?

Although it's not related to spinach, it does taste a bit like a cross between spinach and watercress. It doesn't, however, have the slightly earthy taste and bitter bite that spinach can have.