There’s something wonderfully satisfying about growing your own food — and even more so when you don’t have to wait long for the harvest. Whether you’re working with a full backyard or a small balcony garden, there are many edible plants that grow quickly and thrive in a variety of settings. These fast-growing options not only provide fresh, flavorful produce in a short time but are also easy to maintain, making them ideal for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. Here’s a list of eight quick-growing edible plants you can plant today and enjoy within weeks.
1. Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest-growing vegetables you can plant, often ready for harvest in as little as 20 to 30 days from sowing. These crunchy, peppery root veggies thrive in cool weather and can be grown directly in garden beds or containers. Radishes are perfect for beginners because they’re low-maintenance and rarely troubled by pests. You can enjoy their vibrant, crisp roots in salads or as a crunchy snack, and even use their leafy green tops in stir-fries and soups.
2. Lettuce
If you’re craving fresh, homegrown salads, lettuce is an excellent choice. Many varieties — like Butterhead, Romaine, and Leaf Lettuce — grow quickly and can be harvested as baby greens in just 25 to 30 days. Lettuce thrives in cooler temperatures and can be sown successively for a continuous harvest. It grows well in containers, raised beds, and even vertical gardens. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade during hot days to enjoy crisp, tender leaves all season long.
3. Spinach
Spinach is another fast-maturing leafy green, with some varieties ready to harvest in just 30 to 40 days. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrient-dense addition to your garden. Spinach prefers cooler weather and can be grown in spring and fall for best results. You can harvest individual leaves as needed for salads, smoothies, or sautés. It grows well in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground, and benefits from rich, well-drained soil and consistent watering.
4. Green Onions (Scallions)
Green onions, or scallions, are versatile, quick-growing plants perfect for adding a fresh, mild onion flavor to dishes. They can be harvested in just 20 to 30 days after planting. Green onions thrive in containers, garden beds, or even in water indoors. They require little care — simply plant them in a sunny spot and keep the soil consistently moist. A bonus: you can regrow green onions from kitchen scraps by placing the root ends in water, making them an endlessly renewable crop for your kitchen.
5. Peas
Sweet, tender peas grow quickly and are among the most rewarding cool-season crops to grow at home. Snap and snow peas can be harvested in about 50 to 60 days after sowing. They grow well in full sun with regular watering and benefit from support like a trellis or stakes. Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, making them excellent companions for other garden plants. Enjoy peas straight from the pod, in salads, or cooked in your favorite dishes for a sweet, crisp addition.
6. Basil
Basil is a fragrant, fast-growing herb that adds bright, peppery flavor to countless dishes. It typically germinates within 5 to 10 days and reaches a harvestable size in just 30 to 45 days. Basil thrives in warm, sunny locations and is ideal for garden beds, containers, or windowsill pots. Regularly pinch off the top leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering, which can reduce flavor. Use basil fresh in salads, pasta, or homemade pesto, and dry the leaves for year-round use.
7. Arugula
Arugula, also known as rocket, is a fast-growing leafy green with a distinctive, peppery taste. You can start harvesting baby leaves in 20 to 25 days, making it one of the quickest greens for home gardens. Arugula thrives in cool weather and grows well in both containers and garden beds. It prefers full sun to partial shade and consistently moist, fertile soil. Enjoy arugula’s spicy bite in salads, sandwiches, and pizzas, or sauté it lightly as a side dish.
8. Zucchini
Zucchini is one of the fastest-growing summer squashes, with fruits ready to pick in as little as 50 to 60 days after planting. These prolific plants thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Zucchini plants require space to spread out but can also be trained vertically on trellises to save room. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production. Zucchini is incredibly versatile — perfect for grilling, baking, stir-frying, or even spiralizing into healthy vegetable noodles.
Final Thoughts
With these eight fast-growing edible plants, you can enjoy a productive, homegrown harvest in a matter of weeks. From crisp, peppery radishes to fresh, sweet peas and tender spinach, these easy-care plants are perfect for beginners and busy gardeners alike. Plant them in containers, raised beds, or garden plots and watch your kitchen fill with fresh, flavorful ingredients in no time.
Pro Tip: Stagger plantings every couple of weeks to ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the season.