How to Grow Tung Ho
Tung Ho
Ipomoea aquatica
vegetableTung Ho, also known as water spinach or morning glory leaf, is a tropical leafy green vegetable with tender stems and heart-shaped leaves. It grows rapidly in warm conditions and is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. The plant thrives in moist to wet conditions and produces edible shoots that can be harvested repeatedly throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Tung Ho in your zone?
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Example Tung Ho timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tung Ho
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 Tung Ho
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tung Ho dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11, prefers warm tropical and subtropical climates
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Get my Tung Ho timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with initial true leaves and delicate stems, typically 2-3 inches tall
Keep soil consistently moist; provide warm temperatures (70-80°F); protect from strong wind and heavy rain; ensure adequate light to prevent leggy growth
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksRapid expansion of stems and leaves; plant becomes bushy with multiple shoot branches arising from nodes
Maintain consistent moisture; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer or diluted liquid fertilizer; thin crowded plants; pinch stem tips to encourage bushier growth
Shoot Development
Ongoing (from week 4 onward)Young tender shoots and stem tips become prominent; leaves are bright green and tender, ideal harvest stage
Continue regular watering and feeding; begin gentle harvesting of outer shoots; maintain warm temperatures; monitor for pests that target tender growth
Mature Growth
Ongoing (weeks 8+ until frost or end of season)Plant reaches 2-4 feet in height with multiple harvestable shoot branches; stems become slightly woody at base
Continue regular harvesting to promote new tender shoot production; increase fertilization frequency; maintain consistent moisture; prune lower sections to rejuvenate if growth becomes sparse
Senescence/End of Season
Until first frost (end of growing season)Plant growth slows; stems become tougher and more fibrous; leaves may yellow; production declines in cold weather
Plant is frost-sensitive and dies at first frost; plan end-of-season harvest; pull and compost plants; save seeds if desired before final frost
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; introduce ladybugs; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Increase humidity and air circulation; spray with water; use neem oil; apply sulfur dust in severe cases
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; maintain good air circulation
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and
Hand-pick larger caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); use neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
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and
(favored by waterlogged conditions)
Ensure adequate drainage despite moisture needs; improve air circulation; remove affected plants; rotate crops; use well-draining potting mix for containers
Uses
Stir-fry and Asian cooking
CulinaryTung Ho is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cooking. The tender stems and leaves are commonly stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce, and oil, or added to soups and curries for a mild, slightly bitter flavor. [source]
Fresh salads and raw consumption
CulinaryYoung, very tender shoots can be eaten raw in salads or as a fresh vegetable accompaniment. Raw tung ho has a slightly earthy taste and provides a crisp texture when harvested at peak tenderness. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalIn traditional Asian medicine, tung ho is used to address digestive issues, detoxification, and to lower cholesterol. The plant is believed to have cooling properties and is often prepared as a tea or consumed fresh. [source]
Nutritional supplement
HouseholdTung Ho is highly nutritious, rich in vitamins A, B, and C, plus minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. It is low in calories and provides dietary fiber, making it an excellent vegetable for health-conscious diets. [source]
Aquatic habitat plant
WildlifeIn its native wetland and aquatic environments, tung ho supports aquatic wildlife and helps filter water. It is sometimes used in aquaponic and hydroponic systems to improve water quality while producing food. [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 tender shoots and stem tips when plants reach 6-8 inches tall, typically 4-6 weeks after planting. Pinch off the top 2-3 inches of growing tips to encourage branching. Harvest frequently (every 3-5 days in warm weather) to maintain tender, palatable shoots. Cut rather than pull to avoid damaging the plant. Morning harvest yields the most tender, succulent stems. Younger shoots (6-12 inches long) are most prized for cooking; stems become tough if left too long. Continue harvesting until frost arrives.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tung Ho is native to tropical Asia and is also called morning glory leaf because it belongs to the Ipomoea genus—the same genus as the ornamental morning glory flower.
- 🌱 This vegetable grows so rapidly in warm conditions that it can be harvested multiple times over a 2-3 month period, making it extremely productive for home gardeners.
- 🌱 Tung Ho is considered invasive in some warm-climate regions (particularly in Florida and other subtropical areas) because it spreads vigorously and can colonize waterways, though in controlled garden settings it remains a productive and manageable crop.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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