How to Grow Water Chestnut
Eleocharis dulcis
Water chestnut needs a warm, sunny spot and shallow standing water or permanently waterlogged soil. Plant corms in spring once temperatures stay above 15°C, in containers submerged in 5-15 cm of water. Grass-like hollow stems grow 1-1.5 m tall through summer. Feed monthly with aquatic fertilizer. In autumn, when tops die back, drain the container and harvest the crunchy white corms. Store in a cool dry place; save a few corms to replant next season.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 10°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a balanced aquatic fertilizer once a month during active growth from planting through summer.
- This is the Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis), the edible corm used in Asian cooking. It is unrelated to the European water chestnut (Trapa natans), which is an invasive weed. Grow in containers of water or in boggy soil to control spread.
Growing Conditions
- Sow indoors
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- Transplant out
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- First harvest
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Mature height | 120 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Water Chestnut?
- Plant Water Chestnut 30cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Water Chestnut?
- Water Chestnut is ready to harvest approximately 180 days after transplanting.
- Is Water Chestnut frost hardy?
- Water Chestnut is classified as Tender.
