How to Grow Kang Kong in New Zealand
A summer water spinach for the warm north, where it fills the gap when true spinach bolts. It wants heat, humidity and very moist soil, and crops cut-and-come-again. Grow only the upland form, not the aquatic kind.
When to plant kang kong in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | September, October, November, December |
Best kang kong varieties for NZ
- Land Kangkong (Upland) — Heat-loving leafy green for stir-fries, the upland form grown on moist soil. (Kings Seeds, Asian grocers)
How to grow kang kong
- Space plants about 20cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 45 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Leaf miner, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Kang Kong plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant kang kong in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy kang kong seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Asian grocers.