If you’re looking to spice up your garden with something truly unique, why not try growing some strange-looking vegetables that will both surprise and delight?
These 17 unusual veggies are not only eye-catching with their bizarre shapes and colors, but they also offer incredible flavors and nutritional benefits. From the vibrant, alien-like kohlrabi to the quirky-looking Romanescu cauliflower, these vegetables stand out in any garden and offer a fun challenge for gardeners. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party or simply want to experiment with new tastes, these strange vegetables are a must-try.
They’re perfect for those who are ready to think outside the traditional vegetable patch and explore the more adventurous side of gardening. Ready to grow something different this season? These strange vegetables will give your garden a distinctive edge and your meals a whole new flavor profile.
Romanesco Broccoli
With its mesmerizing fractal patterns, Romanesco Broccoli is truly a sight to behold. Each floret forms a perfect spiral, making it a mathematician’s dream in vegetable form. The vivid green hue adds a pop of color to gardens and plates alike.
While it may look like it comes from another planet, it belongs to the same family as cauliflower and broccoli. Its taste is similar yet distinct, offering a nuttier flavor profile. Add it to salads or roast it for a crunchy snack. Plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine for the best results.
Kohlrabi
Often likened to a spaceship, kohlrabi’s bulbous shape with leafy protrusions makes it stand out. Its taste is a delightful mix of broccoli stems and radish. Choose between green or purple varieties, both easy to grow and rewarding.
Kohlrabi thrives in cool weather and requires minimal care. Dice it raw into salads for a crunchy texture or steam it lightly to enjoy its sweet, mild flavor. To cultivate, ensure consistent watering and protect from pests. Its quirky appearance is sure to intrigue both novice and seasoned gardeners alike.
Black Radish
This dark-skinned root vegetable might seem intimidating, but it rewards with a peppery, robust flavor. Inside, the flesh is white and crisp, contrasting beautifully with the black exterior.
Historically, black radishes have been used for their medicinal properties. They are perfect for growing in cooler climates and are relatively pest-resistant. Grate them into salads to add a spicy kick or roast them for a milder taste. Regular watering and fertile soil are key to successful growth. These radishes add an unusual twist to any garden crop lineup.
Oca
Originating from the Andes, oca tubers are small, colorful, and pack a tangy punch. Their vibrant hues of pink and orange not only brighten gardens but also serve as a conversation starter.
Oca likes cooler climates and thrives in the same conditions as potatoes. Boil or roast them to enjoy their lemony taste. While they’re not as common in gardens, they’re simple to grow and harvest. Plant them in well-drained soil and ensure they receive ample light. The surprise of their flavor and appearance makes them a delightful addition to any garden.
Celeriac
Celeriac, often called the ‘ugly duckling’ of the vegetable world, has a rustic charm with its knobby exterior. Beneath this rough skin lies a tender, aromatic flesh appreciated in soups and purees.
Thriving in cooler temperatures, celeriac demands patience, as it has a long growing season. Once harvested, its distinct celery-like flavor with nutty undertones unveils. Growing celeriac requires regular watering and fertile, well-drained soil. Despite its appearance, it’s a vegetable that surprises with its depth of flavor and versatility in the kitchen.
Buddha’s Hand
This citrus fruit looks as peculiar as its name suggests, with yellow, finger-like sections resembling a spooky hand. Despite its appearance, Buddha’s Hand is revered for its fragrant zest.
While not juicy, it’s perfect for infusing flavor into dishes or creating aromatic citrus oils. Ideal for container gardening, it prefers a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Watch as it becomes the centerpiece of your garden, captivating all who see it. Its zest is ideal for desserts, cocktails, and marinades, offering a unique culinary experience.
Fiddlehead Ferns
Young, curled fronds of certain ferns, known as fiddleheads, are a springtime delicacy. Their vibrant green shoots resemble the scroll of a violin, adding both texture and novelty to dishes.
Fiddleheads offer a taste reminiscent of asparagus with a hint of nuttiness. Harvest them when they’re just emerging for the best flavor. Traditionally sautéed with garlic and butter, they make an exquisite side dish. Ensure they receive plenty of shade and moisture for optimal growth. Introducing fiddleheads to your garden adds both culinary and ornamental value.
Cardoon
A relative of the artichoke, cardoon’s imposing presence in the garden is hard to ignore. Its towering stalks and spiky leaves make it both an ornamental and edible plant.
The stalks are the stars here, often compared to celery in texture but with a subtle artichoke flavor. Blanch them to reduce bitterness before cooking. Cardoon prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving best in mild climates. Its unique appearance will make it a conversation piece, while its taste offers a gourmet touch to home-cooked meals.
Purple Cauliflower
Purple cauliflower brings an unexpected splash of color to your garden and plate. Its striking hue comes from the presence of antioxidants, adding both nutrition and novelty.
Although it tastes similar to its white counterpart, the color can vary in intensity with exposure to sunlight. Steam or roast it to enhance its natural sweetness. Purple cauliflower thrives in mild climates and requires consistent watering for the best yield. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking to introduce both beauty and health to their vegetable selection.
Salsify
Salsify, often dubbed the ‘oyster plant’, boasts a subtle seafood flavor once cooked. This root vegetable is long and slender, with a pale, delicate skin that conceals its creamy interior.
It’s a versatile addition to dishes, ideal for soups and stews. Salsify grows best in sandy soil and requires a long growing season. Harvest in late fall for the best flavor. Despite its unassuming appearance, it surprises many with its unique taste, adding a gourmet flair to homemade meals. Perfect for those seeking to try something different in their garden.
Purple Sweet Potato
Visually stunning, the purple sweet potato is a feast for the eyes and palate. Its rich hue hints at the antioxidant punch it packs, rivaling common varieties in both nutrition and taste.
The sweet, creamy flesh works wonderfully in both sweet and savory dishes. Grow them in well-drained soil with ample sunlight for a bountiful harvest. They’re resilient and adapt well to various climates, making them a gardener’s delight. Whether baked, mashed, or fried, this tuber brings a vibrant twist to classic recipes while enlivening your garden with its color.
Malabar Spinach
This isn’t your typical spinach; Malabar Spinach is a climbing vine with thick, glossy leaves. It thrives in warm climates and provides a continuous harvest throughout the season.
Its leaves have a mild, slightly peppery flavor, perfect for salads or stir-fries. Malabar Spinach needs a sturdy trellis to support its vigorous growth. Ensure it receives plenty of sunlight and water regularly. Its unique growth habit and lush foliage make it an attractive addition to any vegetable garden, offering both visual appeal and culinary versatility.
Chioggia Beet
Chioggia beets are a visual treat, boasting concentric rings of pink and white inside. This Italian heirloom variety is not just about looks—its sweet, earthy flavor is equally enticing.
Whether roasted or raw, it adds a pop of color to dishes. Grow Chioggia beets in well-drained soil and cool weather for optimal results. They’re easy to cultivate and harvest, making them a favorite among gardeners. With its striking appearance and delightful taste, this beet is a must-try for those looking to expand their garden’s palette.
Crosnes
Crosnes, also known as Chinese artichokes, are tiny tubers with a distinct, knobby appearance reminiscent of caterpillars. Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture make them a delightful addition to salads and stir-fries.
These tubers thrive in well-drained soil and require minimal maintenance. Plant them in spring for a late autumn harvest. Crosnes’ unique shape often intrigues those unfamiliar with them. Despite their small size, they pack a punch in terms of taste and texture. An ideal choice for gardeners looking to try something a bit out of the ordinary.
Romanesco Zucchini
This zucchini variety stands out with its ribbed, light green fruits. Romanesco zucchini is not only visually appealing but also offers a slightly nutty flavor that enhances any dish.
It’s a prolific producer, providing a generous harvest throughout the growing season. Plant in sunny spots with well-drained soil for the best yield. These zucchinis are perfect for grilling, stir-fries, or even raw in salads. With its attractive look and delicious taste, Romanesco zucchini is a wonderful addition to any garden, promising both beauty and bounty.
Yardlong Beans
Yardlong beans, also known as asparagus beans, live up to their name, reaching lengths of up to a yard. Their long, slender pods are a delight in stir-fries and salads, offering a crisp texture and mild flavor.
These beans thrive in warm climates and require a sturdy support for climbing. Regular harvesting encourages more growth, making them a productive choice for gardeners. With their impressive length and taste, they bring a unique dynamic to vegetable gardens. Plant them in sunny spots with fertile soil to enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Dragon Tongue Beans
Distinguished by their yellow pods streaked with vibrant purple, Dragon Tongue beans are as visually captivating as they are tasty. These heirloom beans are tender and sweet, perfect for eating fresh or cooked.
Grow them in full sun with well-drained soil for the best results. They’re bush-type beans, making them easy to maintain without the need for staking. Their striking appearance makes them a favorite among vegetable gardeners seeking something different. Enjoy these beans steamed, sautéed, or raw for a beautiful and delicious addition to meals.