Jen
When I first started gardening, I’ll admit—I was impatient. I wanted to see something green and edible as soon as possible! Over the years, I’ve found a handful of vegetables that shoot up quickly and reward you with harvests in just a few weeks. Whether you’re a beginner or just want speedy results, these are my go-to fast-growing veggies that thrive in containers or garden beds alike.
Why I Love Fast-Growing Veggies
There’s something so satisfying about sowing a few seeds and watching them sprout within days. These quick growers keep my motivation high, especially in early spring when I’m itching to get outside and dig in the dirt. Plus, they’re perfect for small-space gardens or anyone short on time.
My Top Picks: 20+ Fast-Growing Vegetables
1. Radishes
These are the true speed demons of the garden. Most varieties are ready to harvest in just 20–30 days. I plant them in loose, well-drained soil and thin the seedlings early to help them develop round, juicy roots.
2. Leaf Lettuce
Loose-leaf lettuce varieties like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ or ‘Red Sails’ can be harvested in as little as 30 days. I pick the outer leaves and let the plant keep growing—a method called “cut-and-come-again.”
3. Spinach
Spinach is cold-hardy and quick, sprouting in about a week and ready to harvest in 30–40 days. It loves cooler temperatures, so I sow it in early spring or fall for the best results.
4. Green Onions (Scallions)
These take about 20–30 days to reach harvest size. I usually grow them from seed, but they grow even faster if you plant store-bought bulbs or regrow them from kitchen scraps.
5. Baby Carrots
While full-sized carrots take time, baby varieties like ‘Little Finger’ are ready in about 50 days. They need deep, loose soil to grow straight and sweet.
6. Arugula
Spicy and tender, arugula can be picked in just 20–25 days. It grows fast in spring and fall, and I love tossing the young leaves into salads or on top of pizza.
7. Kale (Baby Leaves)
Kale might take a while to mature, but baby leaves are ready in about 30 days. I grow it in pots and harvest the young leaves regularly for smoothies or sautés.
8. Pak Choi (Bok Choy)
This Asian green grows quickly and is harvestable as baby greens in 30 days. I love how versatile it is in the kitchen—perfect for soups and stir-fries.
9. Mustard Greens
Another spicy leafy green that’s ready to pick in 30–40 days. These thrive in cooler weather and add a punch of flavor to any dish.
10. Swiss Chard (Baby Leaves)
Chard takes around 50–60 days to fully mature, but I harvest the baby leaves after 30 days. It’s one of my favorite cut-and-come-again greens.
11. Turnips (for Greens or Roots)
I grow turnips for both their roots and greens. The greens are ready in 30 days, while the roots need about 50–60. They love cool weather and loose soil.
12. Beets (Baby Beets)
Beets can be harvested young at about 40 days, and I always make use of their tender leaves too. I space them well and keep the soil evenly moist.
13. Bush Beans
These sprout fast and mature in 50–60 days. I plant bush varieties like ‘Contender’ or ‘Provider’ in full sun and water them deeply once a week.
14. Peas (Snow or Snap)
These are surprisingly quick, especially snow peas. I harvest pods as early as 50 days. They climb, so I give them a trellis or stake for support.
15. Zucchini
Though not the fastest to mature, zucchini can start producing in as little as 45–55 days. Once they start, they don’t stop! I check daily so I don’t end up with baseball bats.
16. Cress
This peppery green can be harvested just 15–20 days after sowing. It’s a great choice for growing indoors or on a windowsill.
17. Mizuna
A quick-growing Japanese green, mizuna is ready in about 20–30 days. I grow it alongside lettuce and arugula for a tasty salad mix.
18. Microgreens
These are the ultimate quick crop—ready in 7–14 days. I sow them thickly in trays and snip them with scissors when they’re just a couple inches tall.
19. Basil (for Baby Leaves)
While basil takes a bit longer to mature, the baby leaves are ready for picking in about 30 days. I snip a few here and there for fresh pesto or pasta.
20. Collard Greens (Baby Stage)
Similar to kale, baby collards are tender and quick. I harvest them after 30–35 days and sow them thickly in containers for a lush look.
21. Chinese Cabbage (Baby Stage)
I’ve had great luck with fast-growing Chinese cabbage like ‘Tokyo Bekana,’ which can be harvested in under 40 days for its sweet, tender leaves.
Final Thoughts
Growing fast-maturing veggies has kept my garden fun, productive, and full of life. Whether I’m trying to sneak in a quick harvest between seasons or just don’t want to wait months for a payoff, these varieties never disappoint. Try a few (or all!) and you’ll be surprised how much you can grow—even with limited time or space.
