10 Fastest Growing Vegetables You Can Plant Today

Updated On: May 15, 2025

Introduction

Want to grow your own vegetables but hate waiting months to harvest? Good news — many vegetables grow fast. Some can be ready to eat in just a few weeks! Whether you have a backyard garden or just a few containers on a balcony, you can plant these quick growers and enjoy fresh veggies soon. Here are 10 of the fastest growing vegetables you can plant today.

Table of Contents

1. Radishes (Ready in 20–30 Days)

Radishes are one of the quickest crops you can grow. Some varieties, like ‘Cherry Belle’, are ready to harvest in just 20 days.

Best for: Beginners
Planting tip: Sow seeds directly in loose soil. Radishes love cooler weather.
Bonus: You can even eat the leafy tops in salads or stir-fries.

Radishes are perfect if you want quick results and crunchy snacks.

2. Lettuce (Ready in 30 Days)

Lettuce grows super fast, especially loose-leaf types like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ or ‘Buttercrunch’.

Best for: Container gardens or small spaces
Planting tip: Sow seeds every two weeks for a constant harvest.
Bonus: Pick the outer leaves early, and the plant will keep growing.

Fresh, homegrown lettuce tastes better than anything from the store!

3. Spinach (Ready in 30–40 Days)

Spinach grows quickly and loves cooler weather. It’s loaded with iron, making it a healthy choice too.

Best for: Early spring or fall planting
Planting tip: Keep the soil moist for the best results.
Bonus: Baby spinach leaves can be harvested even earlier.

Spinach is a must if you want leafy greens in a hurry.

4. Green Onions (Ready in 21–30 Days)

Green onions, also known as scallions, are easy to grow and don’t take much space.

Best for: Windowsills, containers, or garden beds
Planting tip: Plant sets (small bulbs) for faster growth than seeds.
Bonus: Regrow them by putting the white roots in water after cutting.

They’re perfect for topping salads, soups, or stir-fries.

5. Baby Carrots (Ready in 30–50 Days)

While full-size carrots take longer, baby carrots grow much faster.

Best for: Deep containers or loose garden soil
Planting tip: Thin the seedlings properly so roots have space to grow.
Bonus: Choose fast-growing varieties like ‘Little Finger’ for quicker results.

Sweet, crisp, and perfect for snacking!

6. Bok Choy (Ready in 30–45 Days)

Bok Choy, also called Chinese cabbage, grows fast and doesn’t mind cooler weather.

Best for: Early spring or late summer planting
Planting tip: Water regularly to keep the leaves tender.
Bonus: Harvest small, young bok choy in about 30 days for stir-fry dishes.

A great vegetable for Asian-inspired meals!

7. Arugula (Ready in 20–30 Days)

If you love peppery greens, arugula is a top pick. It grows super fast and adds flavor to salads.

Best for: Cooler climates or partial shade areas
Planting tip: Sow seeds directly and keep harvesting young leaves.
Bonus: You can sow a new batch every 2 weeks for a steady supply.

It’s a gourmet green you can grow easily at home.

8. Peas (Ready in 50–60 Days)

While peas take a little longer than leafy greens, they are still among the faster veggies.

Best for: Early spring planting
Planting tip: Give them a trellis or support to climb on.
Bonus: Pick peas young for the sweetest flavor.

Homegrown peas are far sweeter than anything you buy in stores.

9. Zucchini (Ready in 45–55 Days)

Zucchini is a summer star that grows very fast once it gets going.

Best for: Warm weather and full sun
Planting tip: One or two plants are enough — they produce a lot!
Bonus: Pick small zucchinis for tender flavor and faster new growth.

Get ready — zucchini can grow inches overnight once it starts!

10. Bush Beans (Ready in 45–60 Days)

Bush beans grow faster than pole beans and don’t need a trellis.

Best for: Beginner gardeners
Planting tip: Plant seeds directly in the ground after frost danger has passed.
Bonus: Harvest beans often to keep the plants producing.

Tender, fresh beans are amazing grilled, sautéed, or simply boiled.

Final Tips for Fast Harvests

Choose the right varieties: Some types are bred for quicker harvests. Look for labels that say “early maturing” or “baby” varieties.
Start with quality seeds or seedlings: Healthy seeds sprout faster.
Keep soil moist: Dry soil slows down growth. Consistent watering is key.
Use good soil: A rich, loose soil helps roots grow faster and stronger.
Plant during the right season: Cooler crops (like spinach, radishes) thrive in spring or fall. Warm-season crops (like zucchini, beans) need warm soil and longer daylight.

Plant smart, and you could be harvesting fresh veggies from your garden in just a few weeks!

FAQs About Fastest Growing Vegetables

1. What vegetable grows the fastest from seed?

Radishes are one of the fastest. Some varieties mature in just 20 days after planting. Arugula and green onions also grow very quickly from seed.

2. Can I grow fast vegetables in containers?

Yes! Many fast-growing veggies like lettuce, spinach, radishes, and green onions do great in containers. Just make sure the container has drainage holes and good-quality potting soil.

3. What’s the easiest vegetable to grow for beginners?

Lettuce and radishes are super easy for beginners. They grow fast, don’t need complicated care, and are very forgiving if you forget to water once or twice.

4. Do I need a lot of sunlight to grow fast vegetables?

Most vegetables need 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce can tolerate a little shade. Fruiting vegetables like zucchini and beans need full sun for best results.

5. How can I make my vegetables grow faster?

Use rich soil, water consistently, and choose fast-growing varieties. Also, planting at the right time of year for each vegetable speeds up growth naturally.