It has a creeping growth habit but may grow erect in water. The green stem type is usually propagated by sowing seeds directly in the bed. 12 cm apart and fertilized heavily with organic materials. When rainfall is not adequate, the crop is irrigated. Harvest of the entire plant can be made 50 to 60 days after planting.
Propagation is by stem cuttings for the white stem cultivar.
Cuttings about 30 cm long with 7 to 8 nodes are obtained from the existing crop or from a nursery. The field is prepared as for paddy rice. Cuttings are planted 3 to 5 cm deep into the mud at about 40 cm spacing. Water is allowed to flow into the field as the crop grows, the depth is gradually increased to 15 to 20 cm. First harvest can be made a month after planting.