🌿 Water Spinach: Growing Guide
Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) grows best in full sun with plenty of water, and does well at 20–38 °C (68–100 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart. Expect 30–60 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Ipomoea aquatica |
|---|---|
| Category | Tropical Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | High |
| Plant spacing | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 20–38 °C (68–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 30–60 days |
| Sowing depth | 1 cm (0.4 in) |
| Height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr–Jun.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Jul, Nov · Harvest: Feb–Jun, Aug–Oct.
Watering
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 3 days in winter. Loves plenty of water.
Growing tips
An Asian green. Grows in water or wet soil. Very fast. Works in southern Europe.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Water Spinach: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr–Jun. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Jul, Nov · Harvest: Feb–Jun, Aug–Oct.
Water Spinach: how often should I water it?
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 3 days in winter. Loves plenty of water.
Water Spinach: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 1 cm (0.4 in).
Water Spinach: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 30–60 days.
Water Spinach: which plants grow well with it?
Taro.
Water Spinach: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids.
Plan your garden
Add Water Spinach to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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