If you’re standing in your garden, scratching your head wondering why the harvest seems so meager, it’s time to bring in some speedsters! Perhaps the growing season slipped away from you and you missed out on planting some of your favorite veggies. Don’t worry, this article has got you covered with a list of super-fast-growing plants that will have you harvesting in no time.
All the plants featured here take 60 days or less to reach maturity, assuming optimal conditions prevail.
Any deviations from these dates are likely due to environmental factors like heatwaves or cold snaps. So sit back, relax, and get ready to rev up your garden’s growth with these quick-hitting veggies!
17 Fast Growing Vegetables
Radishes
Radishes are often one of the first vegetables that come to mind when considering quick-harvest options. One of the most striking aspects of radish cultivation is the significant variation in days to maturity depending on the specific variety. While some types can be harvested in as little as 21 days, or just three weeks from sowing, others may take longer due to their larger size. For those looking to get a head start with their radishes, there are several fast-growing options worth exploring.
Some popular choices for speedy radish production include Du Jour, which takes a mere 18 days to mature, as well as D’Avignon and Mardi Gras, both of which can be harvested in around 21-30 days. The Rover variety is another option that can produce results in just 21 days.
Arugula
In recent years, arugula has emerged as a favored ingredient due to its unique flavor profile. Characterized by a slightly peppery taste, it’s often added to salads or used as an alternative to traditional pesto recipes. When planted directly into the soil, arugula can thrive rapidly. Simply cut the leaves when they reach your desired size. While growing arugula throughout the summer is possible, it does require some consideration to ensure optimal conditions.
Ideally, a shady spot is necessary to prevent overheating, as arugula doesn’t tolerate high temperatures well. On average, it takes 45-60 days for arugula to mature, at which point the plant will begin to flower and produce seeds. To maintain the best flavor and texture, it’s essential to harvest before this stage is reached.
Asian Greens
In addition to the usual suspects, many gardeners are now incorporating Asian greens into their gardens. This group of vegetables includes popular varieties like bok choy, yu choy, and choy sum. When it comes to sowing these seeds, you have a couple of options: you can direct sow them in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. The good news is that these greens are relatively easy to care for and can be harvested in a variety of ways.
You can pick individual leaves as needed, or cut the entire plant down to size. One thing worth noting is that bok choy tends to grow in clumps, making it simpler to harvest in larger quantities.
If you’re looking to try out some new Asian greens, here are a few varieties to consider: Chirimen Hakusai, also known as Chinese Cabbage, takes about 50 days to mature; Komatsuna Tendergreen Mustard can be ready in anywhere from 40-50 days; Early Mizuna is quick-growing and typically matures in just 35 days; and Shanghai Green Pak Choy takes around 45 days. With their unique flavors and textures, these Asian greens are definitely worth adding to your garden repertoire.
Pepper Cress
If you’re looking to spice up your vegetable garden with a fresh and flavorful addition, look no further than pepper cress. This rapid-growing green is a personal favorite of mine, and once you try it, I’m confident you’ll be hooked too. With a maturity period of just 2-3 weeks, you can quickly add this peppery delight to your beds, containers, or even window gardens – the perfect solution for those with limited space.
Salad Mixes
Salad mixes offer a diverse array of leaf shapes, textures, and flavors. Rather than creating your own blends from scratch, many gardeners opt for pre-mixed varieties or sow them directly into the ground. The latter approach has the added benefit of yielding multi-colored greens that are perfect for farmer’s market sales.
Some popular pre-mixed options include Rocky Top Lettuce Mix, which takes 35-45 days to mature, Red Wing Lettuce Mix, requiring 45-55 days to reach full growth, and European Mesclun Mix, which can be harvested in 40-60 days. Each mix offers a unique combination of leaf shapes, textures, and flavors that can add visual interest and variety to your salad creations.
Peas
While not all pea varieties boast rapid growth, it’s essential to seek out those with a shorter maturation period. For early spring sowing, aim for 2-3 weeks prior to the final frost date of the year, while fall sowings should occur around 60 days before the first frost. As peas grow, they require support to thrive. Many pea varieties can be harvested between 50 and 60 days, allowing for a bountiful yield in just two months. This wait is well worth it, as fresh peas are a treat like no other.
If you’re looking to speed up the process, consider trying these fast-growing pea varieties: Alaska Garden Peas (50-60 days), Green Beauty Peas (60 days), Little Marvel Garden Peas (60 days), and Tom Thumb Garden Peas (50-55 days).
Carrots
While it’s true that carrots aren’t typically known for their rapid growth, there are some varieties that can mature at a faster pace. Specifically, baby or slim carrots require less time to reach full size, making them ideal choices for those looking to cultivate fast-growing carrots. To get started, sow carrot seeds into the ground about 2-3 weeks prior to the final frost date in the spring. Keep in mind that germination can take some time – typically between 14-21 days.
However, once they sprout, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest. Some fast-growing options worth considering include Parisienne Carrots (55-65 days), Berlicum Carrots (60 days), and Little Finger Carrot (55 days) – all of which can deliver results in a relatively short period.
Bush Beans
When it comes to growing beans, the type you choose can significantly impact your harvest timeline. While pole beans are known for their abundance, they also require a longer growing period. In contrast, bush beans can be ready in as little as 50 days, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a speedy yield. To ensure optimal germination and growth, consider soaking the seeds for 12 to 24 hours before planting.
This simple step helps soften the seed coating, allowing sprouts to emerge more easily. Some of the fastest-growing bush beans on the market include Calima Beans, Cantare Beans, Contender, Golden Butterwax Beans, and Red Swan Bush Beans. These varieties all boast a maturity period within the 50-55 day range, making them ideal for gardeners seeking a quick harvest.
Spinach
Spinach is a versatile crop that can be grown quickly in your garden. You have the option to directly sow spinach seeds into the ground or start them indoors, depending on the variety you choose. I find it helpful to do a combination of both, starting longer maturing varieties indoors and then transplanting them outside in early spring and late summer for my fall harvest.
If you’re looking for some speedy spinach options, consider the following varieties:Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach: This heirloom variety takes around 50 days to mature. Galilee Spinach: For a quicker turnaround, Galilee Spinach is ready to harvest in just 35 days. Monstrueux De Viroflay Spinach: Another option for those looking for a faster crop is Monstrueux De Viroflay Spinach, which takes around 50 days to reach maturity.
Zucchini
The prolific nature of zucchini plants is legendary – they can quickly overwhelm even the most experienced gardeners. In fact, it’s common for growers to joke that you can’t give away zucchini due to their abundant production. This rapid growth is attributed to the variety of zucchinis, which typically take 50-60 days to mature on average.
However, once they start ripening, these fruits can grow an astonishing 2-3 inches per day, leaving gardeners scrambling to harvest before they become unwieldy. It’s not uncommon for forgetful gardeners to return to their plants only to find monster zucchinis! While many varieties share this rapid growth trait, there are a few standouts that mature even quicker than the norm.
Beets
While many people may not consider beets to be a fast-growing plant due to their status as a root crop, some varieties can actually mature quickly. In fact, smaller beets tend to grow faster than larger ones, and those without vibrant colors often develop more rapidly as well. This is because the formation of those colours takes time. Beets should be sown into the ground 2-4 weeks before the last frost in spring, allowing for continuous harvests throughout the months.
You can continue to plant rows every two weeks until a month before the first frost in fall. Some examples of faster-growing beets include Bull’s Blood Beet, which takes around 50 days to mature, along with Albino Beet, Early Wonder Beet and Flat of Egypt Beet, all of which take approximately 50-55 days to reach maturity.
Cucumbers
Like zucchini, cucumbers have a relatively short maturation period, typically taking less than 60 days to reach full growth. While some larger varieties may require around 70 days, you can easily find types that mature in as little as 50 days. What’s more, cucumbers are surprisingly easy to cultivate, and they require support to grow properly on a trellis or arbor. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Some notable fast-growing cucumber varieties include the Chicago Pickling Cucumber, which matures in 55 days, as well as the Early Fortune Cucumber, Miniature White Cucumber, and Monika Cucumber, each taking around 50-55 days to reach maturity.
Herbs
While vegetables are the backbone of most food gardens, herbs offer a wealth of benefits, including their ability to thrive quickly and add an array of flavors to a variety of dishes. Incorporating these fragrant and nutritious plants can elevate your gardening experience and culinary creations.
Cilantro
For those looking to cultivate cilantro as part of their fall harvest, the herb’s preference for cooler temperatures makes it an ideal choice. As the seasons transition from summer to autumn or spring to summer, the optimal growing conditions for cilantro are met, allowing leaves to mature and be ready for consumption within a few short weeks.
Parsley
Parsley’s vibrant green hue makes it an attractive addition to almost any dish. Not only does one mature plant have the potential to yield enough for your entire household and possibly even share with neighbors, but you can also begin reaping its benefits as early as a few weeks after planting.
Chervil
Within the parsley family, this particular herb boasts a subtle taste that falls somewhere between the earthy undertones of tarragon and the fresh crunch of parsley. Notably, it also exhibits hints of licorice, adding depth to its flavor profile. Interestingly, leaves are typically ready for harvest in around 3-4 weeks, making it an attractive option for gardeners looking to add some variety to their culinary repertoire.
Dill
Dill’s distinctive characteristics include its vibrant, citrusy aroma and delicate, feathery foliage. When it comes to harvesting, the plant is typically ready to yield its flavorful leaves in approximately six weeks. Seed production, however, requires a slightly longer maturation period.
Mint
Mint’s reputation for rapid growth is well-established, but this trait can sometimes be more of a curse than a blessing. To keep its spread in check, consider potting it in a container to provide a sense of containment. As a versatile herb, mint offers endless possibilities for enhancing desserts or adding a refreshing twist to beverages. The time to harvest the leaves typically arrives when the plant has reached a height of a few inches – usually within about a month’s time.
Give Them a Try
While it’s common to think that gardening requires extensive patience, the truth is that you can enjoy a bountiful harvest in a remarkably short period. Certain vegetables are specifically bred for their rapid growth and maturation, allowing you to harvest in as little as two months or even less. Some varieties can yield a crop in just one month!
Whether you’re looking for a quick fix of fresh produce or simply want to experience the thrill of reaping what you sow, these speedy growers are sure to impress.
