Sometimes, patience just isn’t on the menu—especially when you’re craving something homegrown and fresh. Luckily, not all veggies take months to mature. At Plantisima, we know how rewarding it is to see quick results, especially for new gardeners or anyone working with a short growing season. That’s why we’ve rounded up the fastest-growing vegetables that deliver flavor in record time.
In this article, you’ll find 15 speedy vegetables you can start today and harvest in just a few weeks, from crisp radishes ready in under a month to leafy greens that grow faster than you can eat them. These veggies are ideal for impatient gardeners, last-minute planters, or anyone craving that satisfying “I grew this” moment—ASAP.
Whether you have a big backyard or just a few pots on the patio, our Plantisima readers will love how easy it is to grow these quick-yield crops. Get your hands dirty now, and you could be harvesting before you even finish your next bag of groceries.
Radishes
Nothing says quick harvest like radishes. Known for their vibrant color and crisp texture, they’re the cheetahs of the vegetable world when it comes to growth speed. Sown directly into the soil, radishes can be ready for harvest in as little as three weeks. Their peppery punch adds zest to salads, or can be enjoyed alone as a healthy snack. For those starting fresh, they’re a low-maintenance option that rewards with rapid results. Plant them in intervals to enjoy continuous harvests and keep your meals interesting.
Lettuce
Lettuce, a staple in salads, offers a refreshing crunch and can be harvested within 30 days. It’s not only fast-growing but also versatile, thriving in both garden beds and containers. With so many varieties, from butterhead to romaine, there’s a type for every taste preference. Plant seeds every two weeks to ensure a steady supply. As a bonus, cutting leaves rather than pulling the whole plant allows for multiple harvests per planting. This means less time waiting and more time enjoying fresh greens.
Spinach
Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients and speed, sprouting in just 4 to 6 weeks. Its versatility in the kitchen is matched by its ease of growth, making it a favorite among gardeners. Whether in salads, smoothies, or sautés, this leafy green delivers on taste and nutrition. Plant it in cool weather for the best results, and watch as it quickly fills your garden with lush leaves. Continuous harvesting is possible if you pick the outer leaves first, allowing new growth to flourish.
Arugula
For a peppery kick, arugula is your go-to. Its rapid growth can yield fresh leaves in just 20 to 30 days, perfect for those who crave instant gratification. This leafy green thrives in various conditions, from cool to slightly warm climates, making it a versatile choice for all seasons. Arugula’s distinct flavor enhances salads, sandwiches, and even pizzas with its spicy zest. For a continuous supply, sow seeds every few weeks and enjoy its vigorous growth and unique taste.
Baby Carrots
Baby carrots, not to be confused with mature counterparts, are a delightful addition to any garden with their quick growth of about 50 days. These petite versions are sweet and crunchy, ideal for snacking or adding to dishes. They’re a hit among children for their manageable size and fun appearance. Plant them in loose, sandy soil to encourage straight growth and avoid overcrowding for optimal development. Baby carrots bring a touch of whimsy to your vegetable patch and are a nutritious treat for all ages.
Kale
Kale, the darling of the superfood world, is not only nutritious but also one of the faster greens to grace your garden. Ready for harvest in about 55 days, it offers a hearty, robust leaf perfect for salads, soups, and chips. Its resilience makes it an excellent choice for novice gardeners. This leafy green thrives in cooler temperatures and can even withstand frost, which sweetens its flavor profile. Kale’s ruffled leaves add texture and color to your vegetable array, promising both beauty and health benefits.
Green Onions
Green onions, sometimes called scallions, offer a speedy return on your planting efforts. Within just 20 to 30 days, you can start snipping these flavorful alliums. They thrive both indoors and outdoors, making them a versatile option for urban gardeners. With a mild taste that complements a range of dishes, green onions are a kitchen essential. Regrow them from the white root ends to keep a continuous supply. Their slender stalks and vibrant green color make them a charming addition to any culinary creation.
Zucchini
Zucchini’s quick growth and prolific nature make it a must-have for any garden enthusiast. Within 40 to 50 days, you’ll witness the transformation from blossom to a full-grown vegetable. Its mild flavor and tender texture are ideal for grilling, baking, or spiralizing into noodles. Plant zucchini in fertile soil with plenty of sunlight, and watch them flourish. Their broad leaves provide ample shade, suppressing weeds and keeping your garden tidy. Zucchini’s versatility extends beyond the kitchen, as its blossoms are also edible.
Bok Choy
Embraced for its crisp texture and mild flavor, bok choy matures in as little as 30 to 45 days. This Asian green is a culinary favorite, adding crunch to stir-fries and soups. It thrives in cool weather, making it a great choice for early spring or fall planting. Bok choy’s compact size is perfect for small gardens or container planting. Harvest at the baby stage for tender leaves or allow them to mature for a more robust plant. This versatile vegetable promises a quick and tasty reward for your gardening efforts.
Beets
With their sweet, earthy flavor, beets are a garden gem that grow quickly, ready in about 50 to 60 days. Both the roots and greens are edible, offering dual benefits from a single plant. They thrive in a range of soils, although loose, well-drained soil is ideal. Beets’ vibrant colors make them visually stunning, while their nutritional value adds a healthy boost to any meal. For a continual harvest, plant beets in succession and enjoy their versatility, whether roasted, pickled, or in salads.
Mustard Greens
For those seeking a bit of spice, mustard greens offer a quick-growing solution with a punchy flavor. Ready for harvest in just 30 to 40 days, they add a peppery edge to salads and sautés. These greens are resilient, thriving in cool climates and tolerating light frost. Their bold flavor and fast growth make them a staple in southern cuisine. Whether you enjoy them raw or cooked, mustard greens provide a nutritious and flavorful addition to your garden bounty.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is not just visually stunning but also a fast grower, reaching maturity in 50 to 60 days. Its vibrant stalks and glossy leaves make it a standout in any vegetable patch. Abundant in vitamins, it can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. Swiss chard is adaptable and can grow in different climates, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. For continuous harvests, pick the outer leaves, encouraging the plant to produce more. Its beauty and utility are unmatched.
Turnips
Turnips, with their dual-purpose leaves and roots, are a win-win for gardeners needing a swift harvest. Maturing in about 30 to 60 days, they offer a peppery root and slightly bitter greens. Their adaptability to various soils makes them easy to grow, and they thrive in cool weather. Turnips are a culinary chameleon, suitable for roasting, mashing, or even raw snacking. Their historical significance during lean times adds a touch of nostalgia to your modern garden plot.
Cress
Cress is a sprightly little green that brings zest to your garden and plate in a mere 10 to 14 days. Its peppery flavor elevates sandwiches and salads, and it’s a breeze to grow indoors or out. Perfect for windowsill planters, cress requires minimal space and care. Regular trimming encourages lush growth, so you can enjoy this tiny powerhouse continuously. Cress’s ancient use as a medicinal herb adds a layer of intrigue, making it more than just a garnish.
Peas
Peas, with their sweet taste and fast growth, are a gardener’s delight. Ready to harvest in about 60 days, they thrive in cool, moist conditions. Their climbing nature makes them perfect for vertical gardening, saving space while providing ample yield. Peas fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants. Enjoy them fresh off the vine or cooked in various dishes. Their cheerful green pods are a symbol of spring’s bounty, offering both visual and culinary joy to your gardening experience.