How to Grow Ong Choy
Ong Choy
Ipomoea aquatica
vegetableOng choy, also known as water spinach or morning glory, is a tropical leafy green vegetable with tender stems and heart-shaped leaves. Native to Southeast Asia, it thrives in warm, moist conditions and is prized for its mild, slightly sweet flavor. The plant grows rapidly and produces edible shoots that can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season.
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Example Ong Choy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ong Choy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Ong Choy
Around May 22≈ 35 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ong Choy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; can be grown as a summer annual in cooler zones or in containers indoors
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Get my Ong Choy timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with oval cotyledons and delicate stems
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide warm temperatures (70-80°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they develop true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 weeksPlant develops heart-shaped leaves and multiple stems, forming a bushy appearance with tender vining growth
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth and more shoots.
Shoot Development
3-8 weeksTender young shoots with leaves reach harvesting size, typically 6-12 inches long with 3-5 leaves
Begin harvesting the growing tips when shoots are 4-6 inches long. Regular harvesting stimulates more side shoot production. Maintain consistent watering and weekly fertilization.
Flowering
Variable, typically suppressed with regular harvestingPlant may produce small white or purple flowers if not continuously harvested; flowering signals plant maturity
While edible flowers are attractive, continuous harvesting of shoots prevents flowering and extends leaf production. Allow some plants to flower for seed collection if desired.
Seed Production
4-6 weeks after floweringFlowers develop into small seed pods containing viable seeds for next season
Save seeds by allowing select stems to flower and mature. Seeds are viable for 2-3 years when stored in cool, dry conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Use strong water spray to dislodge pests.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Increase air circulation to discourage infestations.
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Maintain high humidity and regular misting. Spray with neem oil or sulfur. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Hand-pick larger caterpillars. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for organic control. Remove affected leaves.
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and
Handpick early morning or evening. Apply diatomaceous earth around plants. Remove mulch near base if infestations are heavy.
Uses
Stir-fries and Asian cuisine
CulinaryOng choy is a staple in Southeast Asian cooking, particularly in Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines. The tender stems and leaves are lightly cooked in stir-fries with garlic, chilies, and oyster sauce, or briefly blanched to preserve their crisp texture. [source]
Fresh salads and soups
CulinaryYoung, tender shoots can be eaten raw in fresh salads or added to soups just before serving. The mild flavor pairs well with vinaigrettes and light dressings. [source]
Traditional medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Asian medicine, ong choy is used to support digestive health and reduce heat in the body. It is valued for its cooling properties and potential antioxidant compounds. [source]
Nutritional support
MedicinalRich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. The leafy greens provide dietary fiber and are low in calories, making them valuable for a balanced diet. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, ong choy produces attractive white or purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting 4-6 weeks after planting when shoots are 4-6 inches long with 3-5 leaves. Pinch or cut off the growing tip and 2-3 leaves just above a leaf node. Harvest regularly every 5-7 days to encourage continuous branching and prevent flowering. Tender shoots are best; avoid harvesting thick, woody stems. Morning harvest yields the crispest shoots. Can be continuously harvested for 2-3 months before plant vigor declines.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ong choy is related to the morning glory flower (Ipomoea species) and was originally cultivated as an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant in ponds and marshes throughout Southeast Asia.
- 🌱 The plant is considered invasive in some regions due to its rapid growth rate and ability to thrive in wet conditions; in fact, it is banned or restricted in some areas to prevent ecological disruption.
- 🌱 In some Asian markets, ong choy is sold as 'kangkong' or 'water convolvulus,' and a single plant can produce dozens of tender shoots over a growing season with proper harvesting techniques.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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