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If you’re impatient by nature or simply excited to start harvesting your own food, you’re not alone. Many new gardeners look for quick wins and luckily, some vegetables grow faster than you might think. Imagine planting seeds and seeing results in just two weeks. With the right conditions and a bit of planning, it’s entirely possible.
These super-fast vegetables are perfect for beginner gardeners, impatient kids, or anyone looking to get a jumpstart on a productive season. Whether you’re growing in a backyard bed or a windowsill pot, here are the fastest-growing veggies that can be ready to harvest in as little as 15 days.
Why Grow Fast Veggies?
Fast-growing vegetables have a lot to offer beyond instant gratification. They allow for multiple harvests throughout the season, which means you can replant again and again in the same space. If you’re gardening in a small area, this is a major advantage.
These quick crops are also ideal for testing your soil, experimenting with new containers, or keeping your garden active while waiting for slower plants to mature. And because they’re often tender and picked young, they’re packed with flavor and nutrients.
Radish – The Champion of Speed
When it comes to fast-growing vegetables, radishes are the undisputed champion. Certain varieties, like Cherry Belle or French Breakfast, can go from seed to harvest in just 15 to 20 days under the right conditions. They prefer cool weather, so early spring and fall are ideal times to grow them.
Plant radish seeds directly in loose, well-drained soil and keep them evenly moist. Within a few days, you’ll see sprouts pushing through. Thin them out to avoid overcrowding, and you’ll be harvesting crisp, peppery radishes in no time.
Garden Cress – Tiny but Mighty
Garden cress is a delicate leafy green that grows astonishingly fast often within 7 to 10 days. With its peppery flavor, it’s great for spicing up sandwiches, salads, or egg dishes. Because of its shallow root system, it’s perfect for growing in trays, windowsills, or even on damp paper towels.
Sow the seeds densely and keep them moist. In just over a week, you can snip off the tops and enjoy your first harvest. Keep reseeding every few days for a continuous supply.
Arugula – A Quick, Spicy Green
If you love salad greens with a bit of bite, arugula is a must-grow. Also known as rocket, it sprouts within a couple of days and can be harvested as baby greens in about 14 to 20 days. The smaller the leaves, the milder the flavor.
Grow arugula in cooler weather and avoid letting it dry out, as that can cause it to bolt and turn bitter. You can cut the outer leaves and let the inner ones keep growing for a continuous harvest throughout the season.
Spinach – Fast and Nutritious
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins. And the best part? Baby spinach leaves can be harvested just 15 days after planting. Sow the seeds directly into moist, well-drained soil and keep them consistently watered.
Like most leafy greens, spinach prefers cool temperatures, so plant it early in the season or in shaded areas during the summer. You can harvest the outer leaves first or cut the whole plant and replant every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
Mustard Greens – A Fast-Growing Favorite
Mustard greens grow rapidly and offer a slightly spicy, earthy flavor that works well in stir-fries, soups, or fresh salads. In ideal conditions, they can be ready for baby-leaf harvest in just 12 to 15 days.
They’re easy to grow in containers, garden beds, or even hydroponically. Sow seeds densely, water regularly, and you’ll see rapid growth. The younger leaves are milder, so harvest early if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Green Onions – Quick Tops, Endless Uses
Also known as scallions, green onions can begin producing edible green tops within two weeks. If you plant them from seed, it might take closer to three weeks, but if you replant store-bought root ends in soil or water, you’ll often see green shoots in under 10 days.
They grow well in small pots, indoors or out, and are perfect for garnishing soups, noodles, and egg dishes. Cut the tops and allow them to regrow for several harvests from the same plant.
Microgreens – Tiny Plants, Big Results
Microgreens are young seedlings of vegetables like broccoli, kale, beets, or radish. They’re typically harvested within 10 to 15 days of germination and are packed with flavor and nutrients. Because they don’t need deep soil, they can be grown almost anywhere.
Use a shallow tray with potting soil or a growing mat, scatter seeds thickly, and keep them moist. Once the seedlings develop their first true leaves, they’re ready to harvest with scissors. Add them to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies for a quick health boost.
Bok Choy (Baby) – Fast and Tender
While mature bok choy can take a bit longer to grow, baby bok choy can be harvested in as little as 15 to 20 days. The tender young leaves and stems are ideal for stir-fries or as a fresh green in soups.
It grows well in containers and does best in cooler temperatures. Sow seeds about half an inch deep, water regularly, and thin out the seedlings as they grow to give each plant room to mature.
Tips for Fast Growth
To get the quickest results, keep a few things in mind. First, use fresh, high-quality seeds with a known quick germination rate. Second, ensure your soil is rich and well-drained. Compost or organic matter can help boost early growth.
Water consistently but avoid overwatering. Young plants are sensitive to extremes. If growing indoors or in a greenhouse, provide adequate light at least 12 hours a day if using grow lights.
Finally, thin your seedlings. Overcrowding slows growth and can lead to disease. Giving each plant enough space will result in stronger, healthier, and faster-growing veggies.
Replant and Rotate
One of the great things about fast-growing vegetables is how often you can replant them. With good planning, a single garden bed can produce several harvests in a single season. After pulling up a quick crop like radishes or mustard greens, add a bit of compost and drop in another round of seeds.
Try rotating plant types to balance nutrient use. For example, follow a leafy green with a root crop or legume. This not only boosts production but helps maintain healthy soil.
A Quick Garden, A Big Reward
There’s something truly satisfying about planting a seed and harvesting food just days later. Fast-growing vegetables offer more than just speed they provide fresh, homegrown flavor, a quick confidence boost, and a chance to stay connected with your garden throughout the season.
Whether you’re working with a balcony box or a backyard bed, adding these speedy crops to your rotation can keep your garden productive, exciting, and delicious all year long.