Fastest Growing Vegetables (Under 45 Days)
These 26 plants start producing in under 45 days from seed. Perfect for impatient gardeners who want quick results.
Cress
Fastest food crop -- ready in a week. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 0°C, cress performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 8°C and 18°C. Give it partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and frequent watering — it is a thirsty plant that dislikes dry soil, and expect to harvest in roughly 7-14 days. Popular with home gardeners for its reliable yields and straightforward growing requirements.
Green Onion
Quick-growing allium. Remarkably adaptable, green onion tolerates temperatures from -2°C to 28°C and thrives in both cool-temperate and tropical gardens. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 20-30 days. Popular with home gardeners for its reliable yields and straightforward growing requirements.
Arugula
Peppery salad green that grows fast in cool weather. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 2°C, arugula performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 18°C. Give it full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 21-40 days. A staple of kitchen gardens and allotments, it rewards even first-time growers with a generous harvest.
Mizuna
Japanese mustard green with feathery leaves and mild, peppery flavor. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -5°C, mizuna performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. Give it full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 21-40 days. An excellent choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike, thanks to its forgiving growing habits.
Tatsoi
Asian rosette green with spoon-shaped leaves. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, tatsoi performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. Give it full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 21-45 days. Whether grown in raised beds, containers, or traditional plots, it produces well across a range of climates.
Radish
The fastest vegetable -- harvest in as little as 3 weeks. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 2°C, radish performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 18°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 22-30 days. Popular with home gardeners for its reliable yields and straightforward growing requirements.
Lettuce
Cool-season crop perfect for spring and fall. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 2°C, lettuce performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. Give it partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 30-60 days. Whether grown in raised beds, containers, or traditional plots, it produces well across a range of climates.
Bok Choy
Fast-growing Asian green. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 0°C, bok choy performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. Give it partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 30-50 days. Widely grown in home gardens around the world, it adapts to a range of soil types and growing conditions.
Mustard Greens
Spicy, peppery greens that grow fast in cool weather. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 0°C, mustard greens performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. Give it full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 30-45 days. Whether grown in raised beds, containers, or traditional plots, it produces well across a range of climates.
Turnip
Fast-growing root vegetable. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -2°C, turnip performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 8°C and 18°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 30-60 days. An excellent choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike, thanks to its forgiving growing habits.
Watercress
Peppery aquatic green. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 0°C, watercress performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 8°C and 16°C. Give it partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and frequent watering — it is a thirsty plant that dislikes dry soil, and expect to harvest in roughly 30-50 days. Widely grown in home gardens around the world, it adapts to a range of soil types and growing conditions.
Buckwheat
Fast-growing pseudocereal and cover crop. Best suited for moderate climates, buckwheat grows optimally between 15°C and 25°C and can handle temperatures from 5°C to 30°C. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with moderate, even watering throughout the growing season. Plan for about 30-45 days from planting to maturity. A worthwhile addition to any garden, combining low maintenance with satisfying results.
Nasturtium
Edible flower with peppery flavor. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 15°C and 25°C, nasturtium adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Plant in a spot with full sun to partial shade and provide minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks. Expect blooms in approximately 35-52 days. An easy way to add dramatic colour to any garden, with minimal maintenance once established.
Spinach
Nutrient-dense cool-season green. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -5°C, spinach performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 5°C and 18°C. Give it partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 37-45 days. Whether grown in raised beds, containers, or traditional plots, it produces well across a range of climates.
Dill
Feathery herb essential for pickles, fish, and Scandinavian cooking. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 2°C, dill performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season — leaves are ready for picking in about 40-60 days. An aromatic addition to any garden, it dries and freezes well for year-round use in the kitchen.
Sorrel
Tangy, lemony perennial green. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, sorrel performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 22°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 40-60 days. An aromatic addition to any garden, it dries and freezes well for year-round use in the kitchen.
Chervil
Delicate French herb with mild anise flavor. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -5°C, chervil performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 18°C. It needs partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 40-60 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Zucchini
Prolific summer squash -- one plant can feed a family. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 18°C and 27°C, zucchini adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 45-60 days. Popular with home gardeners for its reliable yields and straightforward growing requirements.
Cilantro
Cool-season herb essential in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cooking. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 2°C, cilantro performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 45-70 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Kohlrabi
Unusual-looking brassica with sweet, crisp flesh. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 0°C, kohlrabi performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 45-60 days. An excellent choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike, thanks to its forgiving growing habits.
Marigold
Cheerful annual that repels pests. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 18°C and 28°C, marigold adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Plant in a spot with full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and provide moderate, even watering throughout the growing season. Expect blooms in approximately 45-50 days. Adds colour and life to borders, beds, and containers from spring through autumn.
Calendula
Bright orange/yellow medicinal flower. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -5°C, calendula performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 22°C. Plant in a spot with full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and provide moderate, even watering throughout the growing season. Expect blooms in approximately 45-65 days. Works beautifully in mixed borders, cottage gardens, or standalone containers on patios and balconies.
Dandelion
Underrated superfood green. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, dandelion performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 22°C. Give it full sun to partial shade and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season, and expect to harvest in roughly 45-60 days. An excellent choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike, thanks to its forgiving growing habits.
Endive
Bitter salad green with curly leaves. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -2°C, endive performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. Give it full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 45-85 days. Whether grown in raised beds, containers, or traditional plots, it produces well across a range of climates.
Saffron
World's most expensive spice. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, saffron performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 45-60 days. Fresh leaves from your own garden taste noticeably better than store-bought — and the plant practically grows itself.
Epazote
Mexican herb essential for cooking black beans. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 18°C and 28°C, epazote adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 45-60 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest vegetable to grow?
Green onions and arugula are among the fastest, ready in as little as 20-21 days from seed. Radishes follow at 22-30 days. Lettuce, mustard greens, and bok choy are also very fast at 30-45 days. These quick-growing crops are perfect for impatient gardeners.
Can I succession plant fast-growing vegetables?
Absolutely. Succession planting means sowing new seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest. This works especially well with fast crops like radishes, lettuce, and arugula. You can have fresh greens on your table every week of the growing season.
Are fast-growing vegetables good for beginners?
Yes. Fast-growing vegetables provide quick gratification and let beginners learn from mistakes faster. If your first planting of radishes fails, you can try again in just a few weeks. This rapid feedback loop helps new gardeners build skills and confidence quickly.
What fast-growing plants work in containers?
Nearly all fast-growing vegetables grow well in containers. Radishes need just 6 inches of depth. Lettuce and arugula do great in wide, shallow containers. Green onions grow in almost any pot. Mustard greens and bok choy need slightly larger containers but are still compact.