15 Edible Plants That Will Grow Fast in Any Climate

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Growing food can be one of the most rewarding things, even if you only have a small windowsill or 4 acres to plant! But not all plants want to sprout fast — but there are indeed plenty that will shoot up in no time at all, and quickly give you a satisfying harvest. Edible plants are quick growing but still very adaptable and thrive in various climates.

If you were to bite into a crisp salad of greens that you grew yourself, or spice up your dinner with herbs harvested from your personal garden how would that make you feel? That said, grab your gardening gloves and join me in exploring some quick growing edible plants that you’ll soon be able to snack on before you know it.

Radishes

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If you are an impatient gardener, radishes are so perfect. These root veggies grow fast, some of these are ready to harvest in three weeks or less. Planting these small beauties are also easy, only need very minimal care, and they provide a spicy crunch to salads or sandwiches. They also grow well in almost any climate, which means they’re a win win for quick, fresh produce.

Spinach

It gets right down to business with this leafy green. Sprouting spinach usually takes just a few days, and it’s ready to harvest within four to six weeks. Shaded or cooler climates, this is a hardy fast going plant but can adapt to slightly warmer climates. Eat your fresh spinach on salads, in smoothies or simple sautéed with a little garlic.

Lettuce

Lettuce is, first and foremost, a super fast grower and first rate versatile. From the seemingly endless variety of lettuce there are lots to choose from and many of them can be harvested in under 30 days. The thing I like about this one is, it’s perfect for anyone who loves to make fresh salads and it grows well in containers, raised beds or even in window boxes.

Kale

Kale is one of the hardiest leafy greens on the spectrum and grows pretty fast. After four to six weeks you can start snipping leaves for a healthy, vitamin rich addition to any meal. Besides, it is also super resilient, growing in both hot and cold climates, meaning that as you can keep it going year round.

Arugula

Arugula is a speedy, peppery grower for those who love a kick. It takes about three weeks before you can begin harvesting these spicy greens, making them one of the fastest salad greens around. Grown in cooler weather but if provided with some shade in hot climates arugula is grown all year.

Green Onions

Green onions, aka scallions, are super easy to grow, fast to harvest and love to grow right alongside all of your other vegetables. Within three to four weeks you’ll have crisp, flavorful stalks that give any dish a jolt of flavor. They can be directly planted in the soil, or grown indoors in a glass of water for continuous supply.

Bok Choy

Another quick growing green is Chinese cabbage, or Bok choy, which grows in 30 to 45 days. Stir fries, soups and salads are excellent uses for it. It’s also surprisingly hardy and will stand up to a wide variety of climates, though it does prefer cooler weather. Its thick crunchy stalks and tender leaves add a fresh addition to any kitchen.

Swiss Chard

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Swiss chard has beautiful colored stems and leafy greens and it’s equally tasty. Not only is this a nutritious vegetable that can be harvested in only a few weeks, but each time you cut individual leaves it will continue to grow too. Since Swiss chard can be grown in all climates, it is a sure choice for any garden.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a quick grower, with leaves ready to harvest in about four weeks that also adds a burst of fresh flavor to dishes. This herb grows best in cool temperatures but will do very well in warmer zones if kept shaded. Add some to salsas or salads or as a great garnish for cooking.

Beets

Beets are a two-for-one plant that produces tasty roots as well as edible greens. Greens can be ready to harvest in less than a few weeks, and roots in about 45 to 60 days, which is somewhat quicker than most things. Beets are adaptable and will tolerate most types of climates which make them an easy plant to grow in your garden.

Basil

Basil, the fast growing herb, is a great addition to your cooking since it brings a touch of Italian flavor. In three to four weeks you’ll have fragrant leaves ready to harvest and use on pasta, pizza, or pesto. It likes warm weather, but can be grown indoors and is a simple addition to your herb garden.

Turnips

When it comes to turnips, they grow quickly, producing edible roots and greens, so you get double the harvest. The leafy greens should be ready to start in about 30 days and the roots can begin about a month later. They are tough, and turnips grow in a lot of climates and add versatility to your garden.

Peas

When it comes to fast growing crops, peas are excellent, precocious to produce tender pods in 50-60 days. Cool weather is the best when it comes to these climbers, which is perfect for spring planting or fall planting. Love those fresh peas? Yeah, I do too. Sweetness in spades that are as delightful as they are snackable right out of the vine or cooked into dishes.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a prolific grower and once it starts keeps on going. If your soil is warm, you’ll more than likely see small zucchinis forming in just a few weeks, and in a moderate climate you can watch your zucchinis grow so rapidly. This is a highly versatile veggie that will please your palate as well as your plate with many options for whether you’re grilling, baking, or sautéing.

Mustard Greens

They’re fast growers and have a spicy, robust flavor perfect for salads, sautés, and stir fries. And once they’re big enough to eat, often in 3-4 weeks you can start picking leaves. They grow well everywhere and give a bit of oomph any meal.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.