Water spinach is a variety of Ching Quat (known as "green stem") - a narrow, pointed leaves and white flowers and is adapted for moist soils. This can be grown in beds, provided there is always plenty of moisture.
Almost all parts of the young plant is edible, but the tender shoot tips and younger leaves are preferred. A popular Thai leafy green dishes, sautéed with garlic, oyster sauce, broth, etc. can be very delicious - a healthy, and flavorful way to get more green leafy vegetables in your diet.
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.
• Choose the right location: Water spinach requires a sunny location with well-drained soil. It’s best to choose a location that is near a water source, as water spinach needs a lot of moisture to thrive.
• Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by adding compost or organic matter. Water spinach prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Plant the seeds: Water spinach can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
• Provide plenty of water: As the name suggests, water spinach needs a lot of water to grow. Keep the soil moist at all times, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilize regularly: Water spinach is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to provide the nutrients the plants need to grow.
• Control pests and diseases: Water spinach can be susceptible to pests and diseases, such as aphids and leaf spot. Use organic pest control methods to keep these problems under control.
• Harvest regularly: Water spinach grows quickly and can be harvested in as little as 3-4 weeks. Harvest the leaves and stems regularly to encourage new growth.