15 Fall Vegetables You Can Plant for a Late Harvest

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As summer ends and the leaves start changing colors, it’s time to think about fall vegetables. While many people associate gardening with spring and summer, plenty of vegetables can be planted in the fall for a late harvest. You will enjoy fresh produce well into the cooler months, and planting fall vegetables can also help extend your growing season and keep your garden productive.

So, without ado, here are 15 fall vegetables you can plant for a late harvest:

Broccoli

Broccoli is a cold-season vegetable that grows best during cooler temperatures. You may plant it late summer or early fall to have a harvest within a 50–70 day window. All the vitamins and minerals in broccoli, such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C, make it a fantastic addition to your fall garden.

Beets

Fall is also a good time to plant beets in the ground and grow them for a late harvest of root crops. They are cold-loving and produce in 60 days. Roasted beets are delicious, and the root and greens can be used in many dishes. Additionally, they provide your fall garden with wonderful red, yellow, and purple colors.

Carrots

Carrots are a classic vegetable garden staple and make for another great late-fall harvest. They are cold-tolerant and can take between 70 days to reach maturity. They are delicious eaten raw or added to soups and stews—and, of course, the carrot cake!

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are tiny, round cabbages that can withstand frost and be harvested late in the season. They require cooler temperatures and take about 90-100 days to mature. These little cabbages are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them the perfect accompaniment to your autumn meals.

Radishes

Radishes are a speedy root crop that can be planted just before summer ends. They mature in just 25-30 days and bring a spicy, crunchy texture to salads, sandwiches, and more. Having them in all shapes, colors, and sizes around your fall garden also helps.

Kale

Kale is yet another member of the leafy green family that can be grown late in the season. It develops a sweeter flavor after being kissed by frost. Salads, smoothies, and soups are a few ways you can incorporate kale in your meal plans or sautée it with garlic as a healthy side dish.

Spinach

Spinach is a very flexible vegetable that can be planted in the fall for a late harvest or spring-sown. It grows well in cold temperatures and matures for 40-50 days. Swiss chard is very useful for its iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C content. This is a great choice to add to your fall diet.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another cole crop that should be started up to 100 days before the average first frost if you want a fall harvest. It ripens about 50–80 days, depending on the variety. This versatile veggie can be used in anything from soups and curries to pizza crusts and rice stand-ins.

Cabbage

One of the oldest fall vegetables ever to exist that benefits from cooler weather happens to be cabbage. It is a fast maturing (60-90 days) vegetable. Much like collard greens and broccoli, cabbage provides an excellent source of nutrients, including vitamin C and potassium. Use it in coleslaw, stir-fries, or ferment it to make sauerkraut.

Peas

Peas are another cool-weather crop that can be planted for a late fall harvest. They take 60-70 days to mature and come in various varieties, from shelling peas to snow peas and sugar snap peas. These legumes are a great source of protein and fiber.

Garlic

Garlic is a popular addition to many fall dishes, and it’s also a great vegetable to plant in the fall for a late harvest. It takes around 8-9 months to mature, but you can start harvesting the green shoots in early spring and enjoy the bulbs in late summer or fall.

Turnips

Turnips are another root vegetable that can be planted in late summer and early fall for a late harvest. These vegetables grow for 50-60 days in different sizes, structures, and colors. Their roots and greens can be used in soups, stews, or roasted veggie dishes.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is another leafy green that thrives in cool weather and can be planted for a late harvest. It matures in 60-70 days, and its colorful stems and leaves add color to your fall garden. Use it in salads, stir-fries, or sautéed as a side dish.

Parsnips

Parsnips are root vegetables with a nutty and sweet flavor. They prefer cool weather and mature in 100-120 days. You can use them in soups, stews, or roasted with other fall veggies for a flavorful side dish.

Leeks

Leeks are also cheap to plant and harvest in the fall if you need a break from cabbage! They are ready to harvest at around 90-120 days and have a sweet, mild onion flavor. Leeks can be added to soups, stews, and anything on a casserole base; they must be cooked first.

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