GORWING KANGKONG IN CONTAINERS

KANGKONG (Impomea spp) is the only vegetable that I really enjoyed eating ever since Iong ago when was a child in Johore, Malaysia. Most kampong people used this leafy vegetable as become a mainstay in my weekly grocery list. The plant grows anywhere in Malaysia especially in swampy areas (so called Aquatic Kangkong - Impomea auitica) or groen on the beds as Land Kangkong (Impomea reptans) which makes me often wonder where they get those kangkong leaves that many consumers buy in the grocery. Kangkong are the easiest and cheapest leafy vegetable in the market in Malaysia and delicious.  Therefore, many decided to grow their own kangkong at home either on the beds or in the container or hydroponic system. It was a fast harvesting vegetables with low cost to grow and easy to manage. Not to worry about how to grow at home with some limited area needed. For me that kangkong is also known by other names such as water spinach, swamp cabbage or Chinese watercress. It is very common in Southeast Asian cuisine because kangkong thrives well in the hot and humid tropical climates. The way to grow kangkong us by seeds and stem cutting. Propagate kangkong easily from seeds or through stem cuttings. By sowing the seeds in a seed tray or directly into a medium sized container pot. Make sure to allow a minimum of 3- inches of distance in between the seeds. They germinate quite easily in a matter of days. In a few more days, transfer the seedlings to a sunny spot outside. 

Kangkong can also be propagated from cuttings. Choose a healthy bundle of kangkong leaves when you buy at the market. Use the leaves for cooking but leave the top 6-inch portion, up to the 4th leaf node. Soak the lower end of the cuttings in water for a week, and change the water every couple of days. Transplant the cuttings to the ground or a container filled with rich loamy soil, as soon as the roots appear. By using a container to grow kangkong better to use a rich loamy soil mixed with compost. Choose a container with at least 12 inches in depth and diameter. The plant can grow well in partial or full sun, but at least 4 hours of sunlight is ideal for it to grow more leaves. Keep the soil moist by practicing regular watering. Water deeply to ensure the deepest roots are reached. Daily watering is needed during the hot and dry summer months. With enough sunlight from my obervation the leaves can be harvested in as early as 60 days from sowing. To harvest by cutting the top leaves leaving up to 2 leaf nodes from the roots. New stems will grow from these leaf nodes in just a few days. In about 2-3 weeks then the new stems will be ready for another round harvest. When grown in containers, the soil nutrients get depleted easily. Fertilize with compost or organic fertilizers every 3 months to ensure a continuous healthy growth of new stems and leaves. This also gives the plants stronger resistance to common diseases and pests.  Kangkong is prone to common pests, like the stink bugs, locusts and and spider mites. To address this, spray an organic pest solution at least once a month. Make sure to spray the solution before dawn or after dusk, in order not to scorch the leaves from the sun exposure. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Agriculturist Expert,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(April 2023).

SELAMAT HARII RAYA 2-23!!!..