Complete Gardening
Discover the lesser-known gems in the vegetable world with these 15 fast-growing varieties. Often overlooked, these veggies not only grow quickly but also bring a unique twist to your garden and table. Dive in to explore the secrets behind their speedy growth and find out why they deserve a spot in your garden.
1. Arugula
Known for its peppery kick, arugula is the unsung hero of salads. Growing in just three weeks, it’s perfect for those who crave fresh greens rapidly. Its vibrant leaves add a zing to any dish, making it a staple in Italian cuisine.
Once forgotten, arugula is now gaining popularity for its health benefits, including vitamin K and calcium. It’s not just about speed; it’s about flavor and nutrition.
Arugula thrives in cooler climates, making it a go-to for early spring or fall planting. Its resilience and rapid growth make it a gardener’s delight.
2. Radishes
In just 25 days, radishes bring a burst of color and crunch to the table. These root vegetables are perfect for impatient gardeners. Their slight spiciness complements salads and sandwiches alike.
Radishes are not just quick but incredibly versatile, lending themselves to pickling, roasting, and even eating raw. They offer a wealth of nutrients, including vitamin C and potassium.
Historically, radishes were used by Egyptians as food for pyramid workers. Certainly, these little roots have an ancient pedigree worth exploring.
3. Spinach
Spinach grows at a breathtaking pace, reaching maturity in just 30 days. Its rich, green leaves are a nutrient powerhouse, packed with iron and vitamins A and C. The mild flavor makes it a versatile addition to countless dishes.
This leafy green has been celebrated for centuries, famously touted by Popeye. Its ease of growth and rapid yield make it a garden favorite.
Plant spinach in early spring or fall for best results, as it prefers cooler temperatures. Its swift growth ensures a continuous supply of greens.
4. Lettuce
Lettuce, a salad staple, matures in just 30 days, offering an array of textures and flavors. From crisp romaine to delicate butterhead, its diversity is unmatched.
The fast growth allows for successive plantings throughout the season, ensuring constant harvests. Lettuce’s adaptability makes it ideal for various climates and growing conditions.
Historically, it was prized by the Egyptians as a symbol of fertility. Today, it continues to flourish in gardens worldwide, beloved for its refreshing taste and versatility.
5. Kale
Kale, the darling of the superfood world, grows quickly, ready to harvest in 45 days. Its robust leaves are a nutrition goldmine, rich in vitamins K, A, and C.
This leafy green is hardy, surviving frosty temperatures that would wilt other plants. Kale’s versatility stretches from salads to smoothies and chips.
Once relegated to garnishes, kale now stands front and center in health-conscious kitchens. Its popularity is a testament to its health benefits and culinary flexibility.
6. Bok Choy
Bok choy, an Asian staple, matures rapidly in just 30 days. Its crisp texture and mild flavor make it a favorite in stir-fries and soups.
Rich in vitamins C and K, bok choy adds a nutritional punch to any meal. Its quick growth and resilience make it perfect for successive plantings.
From its origins in China, bok choy has traveled the world, now grown in gardens across the globe. Its adaptability and speed make it a must-have for gardeners.
7. Mustard Greens
Spicy and bold, mustard greens are ready for harvest in a mere 30 days. These leafy greens bring a peppery flavor to dishes, adding a punch to salads and sautés.
Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, they offer a nutritious boost to any meal. Their rapid growth and hardy nature make them ideal for novice gardeners.
Mustard greens have a storied history in Southern cuisine. Their unique taste and health benefits are gaining attention once more, reclaiming their place in modern kitchens.
8. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard dazzles with its vibrant colors and quick-growing leaves, ready in just 50 days. Its stalks range from ruby red to sunny yellow, adding visual appeal to gardens.
Nutrient-rich, Swiss chard is packed with vitamins A and C. It thrives in various climates, ensuring a steady supply of greens.
From Mediterranean origins, this leafy green has become a worldwide favorite, celebrated for its beauty and versatility in the kitchen. Whether raw or cooked, Swiss chard is a culinary delight.
9. Peas
Peas, often overlooked, offer rapid growth and a sweet taste, ready in 60 days. These pods are not only delicious but also enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefiting future plantings.
Whether in soups or salads, peas add color and flavor. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, they are both nutritious and tasty.
Historically a staple in ancient times, peas are making a comeback in modern gardens. Their ability to grow quickly and improve soil health makes them a gardener’s ally.
10. Turnips
Turnips, with their earthy flavor, reach maturity in just 60 days. Both roots and greens are edible, offering versatility in dishes.
These root vegetables are a rich source of vitamin C and fiber, supporting a healthy diet. Their rapid growth suits both small and large gardens.
Turnips have fed generations, from Roman soldiers to modern households. Their speed and adaptability continue to make them a popular choice for home growers seeking quick results.
11. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are synonymous with refreshment, ready to harvest in just 50 days. Their crisp texture and mild flavor make them a summer favorite in salads and pickles.
Low in calories yet high in hydration, cucumbers are perfect for hot days. Fast growth ensures a steady supply throughout the season.
Originally cultivated in India, cucumbers have traveled the world, now grown in gardens everywhere. Their quick growth and cooling nature make them a summertime staple.
12. Bush Beans
Bush beans are a gardener’s delight, producing pods in just 50 days. Their compact size suits small gardens and containers, offering bountiful yields.
Rich in protein and fiber, bush beans are a nutritious addition to meals. Their quick growth cycle allows for successive plantings across the season.
With roots in Central America, bush beans have spread across continents. Their ease of cultivation and rapid production make them a favorite among home growers seeking efficiency.
13. Zucchini
Zucchini, a summer staple, grows rapidly, yielding fruits in just 50 days. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it versatile in both savory and sweet dishes.
Rich in vitamins A and C, zucchini is as nutritious as it is delicious. Its prolific nature ensures a bountiful harvest throughout the season.
Originating from the Americas, zucchini has become a global favorite, celebrated for its quick growth and culinary adaptability. Its presence in gardens is a testament to its enduring appeal.
14. Green Onions
Green onions, or scallions, grow swiftly, ready to harvest in just 30 days. Their mild flavor enhances a range of dishes, from soups to salads.
High in vitamin K, green onions are a healthy addition to meals. Their rapid growth makes them ideal for year-round planting, indoors or out.
Used in cuisines worldwide, green onions bring a subtle taste and quick yield to gardens. Their versatility and speed make them a valuable asset for culinary enthusiasts.
15. Beets
Beets, with their sweet, earthy flavor, mature in just 60 days. Both roots and greens are edible, offering a dual-purpose crop.
Packed with iron and vitamins A and C, beets support a healthy diet. Their rapid growth suits diverse garden spaces, large or small.
Beets have a rich history, from ancient Rome to modern tables. Their quick maturation and nutritional benefits continue to endear them to home growers seeking both taste and efficiency.