Imagine sowing a seed and enjoying a fresh, homegrown harvest in just a few weeks. It's not a gardener's fantasy; it's entirely possible with the right choices. This guide is your shortcut to the quickest harvests, focusing on reliable and delicious fast growing vegetables from seed that deliver near-instant gratification. We'll skip the long waits and dive straight into 11 varieties that will fill your plate in record time, complete with expert tips to ensure success from the very first sprout.
This list is designed for gardeners of all levels, from beginners with a few pots to seasoned growers looking to maximize their planting schedule. We will cover everything you need to know, including ideal sowing conditions, specific days-to-harvest for each variety, and actionable growing advice to accelerate your results. Beyond the joy of a speedy harvest, growing your own vegetables also gives you greater control over what goes into your food. For more insights on ensuring your diet is free from unwanted chemicals, check out these tips on how to avoid pesticides in your food. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, get ready to accelerate your gardening journey and taste the rewards sooner than you ever thought possible.
1. Radishes (Cherry Belle)
For gardeners craving near-instant results, radishes are the quintessential fast-growing vegetable from seed. The Cherry Belle variety, a classic round, red radish, is a standout performer, often ready for harvest in as little as 22 to 30 days. Their rapid growth cycle provides quick gratification, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners, children, or anyone with a short growing season.
Radishes thrive in the cool weather of early spring and fall, making them one of the first and last crops you can pull from your garden. Their peppery crunch adds a delightful kick to salads, sandwiches, and tacos. Beyond the popular Cherry Belle, other swift options include the milder, oblong 'French Breakfast' (28 days) and the vibrant 'Easter Egg' mix, which produces a rainbow of red, purple, and white radishes in the same quick timeframe.
Key Growing Information
Successful radish cultivation relies on timing and proper spacing. Planting them in the right conditions prevents them from becoming woody or overly spicy.
- Sowing Time: Plant seeds directly into the garden 2-3 weeks before the last spring frost or in late summer for a fall harvest. Avoid planting in the heat of mid-summer, as this can cause them to bolt (flower prematurely).
- Spacing: Sow seeds about a half-inch deep and 1 inch apart. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 2 inches apart to give the roots enough room to swell into perfect globes.
- Harvesting: Pull radishes as soon as they reach their mature size, typically about one inch in diameter, like a large marble. Leaving them in the ground too long will result in a tough, woody texture.
Pro Tip: For a continuous supply, practice succession planting. Sow a new row of radish seeds every 10-14 days throughout the cool seasons. This ensures you'll always have fresh, crisp radishes ready to harvest.
The following chart visualizes the impressively short timeline for growing Cherry Belle radishes, from germination to harvest.
As the chart illustrates, the time from seeing the first sprout to enjoying a fresh radish is incredibly short, highlighting why they are a top choice for fast-growing vegetables from seed.
2. Arugula (Rocket)
For those who love adding a peppery, nutty kick to their meals, Arugula (also known as Rocket) is an unbeatable choice among fast growing vegetables from seed. This leafy green is remarkably swift, often ready for a "cut-and-come-again" harvest in as little as 21 days, with full maturity around 40 days. Its rapid growth makes it ideal for impatient gardeners and for filling in gaps in the garden bed while slower plants mature.
Arugula is a cool-weather crop that bolts (goes to flower) in intense summer heat, which turns the leaves unpleasantly bitter. However, its speed allows for multiple harvests in both spring and fall. While standard Arugula is a garden favorite, other excellent varieties include the milder 'Astro' (32 days) and the visually striking 'Red Dragon' (40 days), which features deep red veins. Wild rocket varieties take a bit longer but often self-seed, providing a continuous supply year after year.
Key Growing Information
Success with arugula hinges on consistent moisture and harvesting at the right time to maintain its signature zesty flavor without excessive bitterness.
- Sowing Time: Direct sow seeds into the garden in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and again in late summer or early fall. To avoid bolting, provide some afternoon shade if planting in warmer weather.
- Spacing: Sow seeds shallowly, about a quarter-inch deep, and space them about 1 inch apart in rows. There is no need for significant thinning if you plan to harvest the leaves young in a cut-and-come-again fashion.
- Harvesting: Begin harvesting the outer leaves when they are just 2-3 inches long for the best flavor and texture. This method encourages the plant to continue producing new leaves from the center for an extended harvest period.
Pro Tip: For a constant supply of tender, young arugula leaves, practice succession planting. Sow a new small batch of seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the cool growing seasons of spring and autumn. This prevents you from having a large crop mature all at once.
3. Spinach (Space)
For those looking to add a nutritional powerhouse to their garden in record time, spinach is a top contender among fast-growing vegetables from seed. The 'Space' variety, a smooth-leafed spinach, is specifically bred for rapid growth and can be ready for harvest in an impressive 28 to 35 days. Its versatility allows for harvesting tender baby leaves or letting them grow to full size, making it a reliable and productive choice for any cool-season garden.
Spinach thrives in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, providing a lush harvest when many other vegetables are just getting started or are finishing up. While 'Space' is exceptionally fast, other excellent varieties include the classic 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' (48 days), known for its resistance to bolting, and 'Regiment' (29 days), which offers great disease resistance. For the quickest results, dedicated 'Baby Leaf' varieties can be ready in as little as three weeks.
Key Growing Information
Growing great spinach is about providing the right cool-season conditions and harvesting smartly to maximize your yield. Proper planting and care prevent bolting and ensure tender, flavorful leaves.
- Sowing Time: Plant seeds directly in the garden 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. For a second crop, plant again 6-8 weeks before the first fall frost. Spinach struggles in summer heat.
- Spacing: Sow seeds about a half-inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows. Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to 3-4 inches apart. The thinned seedlings are delicious in salads.
- Harvesting: Begin harvesting the outer leaves when they are large enough to eat. This "cut-and-come-again" method allows the central plant to continue producing new leaves for an extended harvest period.
Pro Tip: In transitional seasons when days get warmer, provide your spinach patch with afternoon shade using a taller crop or shade cloth. This helps keep the soil cool and can delay bolting, extending your harvest window.
4. Lettuce (Black Seeded Simpson)
For those who love fresh salads, growing lettuce from seed offers a quick and rewarding harvest. The Black Seeded Simpson variety is a star performer among fast-growing vegetables from seed, producing tender, light green leaves in just 28 to 45 days. This popular heirloom, dating back to 1850, is cherished for its excellent flavor and better heat tolerance compared to many other types of lettuce. Its loose-leaf growth habit makes it ideal for a "cut-and-come-again" harvest, providing fresh greens for weeks from a single planting.
This variety is perfect for gardeners who want a steady supply of salad greens without waiting for a full head to form. While Black Seeded Simpson is exceptionally fast, other great options include various Oak Leaf varieties (45 days) and Mesclun mixes, which can offer a diverse harvest in as little as 21 to 35 days. Even heat-tolerant head lettuces like Buttercrunch, while slower at 65 days, are valuable for extending the season.
Key Growing Information
Success with lettuce depends on providing the right balance of sun and moisture, especially as temperatures rise. Keeping the soil cool and consistently moist is the secret to tender, sweet leaves.
- Sowing Time: Plant seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Lettuce thrives in cool weather, so plant seeds every two weeks from early spring through early summer, and again in late summer for a fall crop.
- Spacing: Sow seeds about a quarter-inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows or broadcast them lightly over a prepared bed. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to 4-6 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
- Harvesting: Begin harvesting the outer leaves when they reach 4-6 inches in length. This cut-and-come-again method allows the central part of the plant to continue producing new leaves for several weeks.
Pro Tip: To prevent bolting and bitterness in warmer weather, plant your lettuce where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Applying a layer of mulch around the plants will help keep the soil cool and retain essential moisture.
5. Asian Greens (Bok Choy/Pak Choi)
For a quick harvest of crisp, tender greens, bok choy (also known as pak choi) is an exceptional choice. Many baby varieties of this popular Asian green are incredibly fast growing vegetables from seed, maturing in just 30 to 45 days. This rapid turnaround allows for multiple harvests within a single growing season, making them a highly productive addition to any garden space, especially for those who love stir-fries, soups, and sautés.
These members of the brassica family thrive in the cool weather of spring and fall, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Beyond the standard green varieties, options like 'Red Choi' (45 days) introduce beautiful color to the garden and plate. Other swift-growing choices include the classic white-stemmed 'Joi Choi' (45 days) and the compact 'Baby Shanghai' (35 days), which are perfect for smaller plots or container gardening. Their versatility and speed make them a favorite among home gardeners.
Key Growing Information
Success with bok choy depends on providing cool conditions and protection from common pests. Proper planting ensures tender leaves and prevents the plant from bolting in unexpected heat.
- Sowing Time: For a spring crop, direct sow seeds 2-3 weeks before the last frost or start them indoors 4-5 weeks prior for transplanting. For a fall harvest, plant seeds in late summer as temperatures begin to cool.
- Spacing: Sow seeds a half-inch deep and 2 inches apart. Thin seedlings to about 6-8 inches apart to give each plant enough room to develop its characteristic rosette shape and ensure good air circulation.
- Harvesting: You can harvest in two ways. For baby bok choy, cut the entire plant at the base when it reaches 4-6 inches tall. Alternatively, use the "cut-and-come-again" method by snipping the outer leaves, allowing the inner core to continue producing.
Pro Tip: Asian greens are a favorite of cabbage worms and flea beetles. Use lightweight floating row covers immediately after planting to create a physical barrier, protecting your crop without the need for chemical sprays.
Pairing these greens with beneficial companions can further enhance growth and deter pests. To discover which plants grow well alongside them, learn more about companion planting for vegetables and create a healthier, more productive garden bed. This strategic placement makes bok choy one of the most rewarding and fast growing vegetables from seed you can cultivate.
6. Turnips (Hakurei)
For a surprisingly sweet and tender root crop, Hakurei turnips are an exceptional choice among fast growing vegetables from seed. This Japanese salad turnip shatters expectations, producing beautiful, smooth white globes in just 38 to 45 days. Unlike the pungent, purple-topped varieties that require cooking, Hakurei turnips have a crisp, mild flavor that is delicious eaten raw, similar to a sweet, juicy radish.
These turnips are a fantastic dual-purpose crop, as their lush, smooth greens are also edible and ready for harvest even sooner than the roots. Their speedy growth makes them ideal for succession planting in the cool weather of spring and fall. While Hakurei is a standout, other quick turnip options include the ‘Tokyo Cross’ hybrid (35 days) and the classic ‘White Egg’ (45 days), both offering a quick turnaround from seed to table.
Key Growing Information
Proper spacing and timely harvesting are crucial for growing perfect Hakurei turnips. Giving them room to develop prevents crowding and ensures you get sweet, tender roots instead of fibrous ones.
- Sowing Time: Plant seeds directly in the garden in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a bountiful fall harvest. They perform best in cooler temperatures.
- Spacing: Sow seeds about a half-inch deep. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to 4-6 inches apart. This spacing is vital for root development.
- Harvesting: Begin pulling the roots when they reach the size of a large radish or golf ball. For the best texture and flavor, harvest them before they exceed the size of a tennis ball. The greens can be snipped off as needed throughout the growing cycle.
Pro Tip: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants once they are established. This helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and prevents the soil from cracking, which can cause the turnip roots to split.
7. Mustard Greens (Red Giant)
For gardeners looking to add a spicy kick to their harvest, mustard greens are a superb fast-growing vegetable from seed. The 'Red Giant' variety is particularly impressive, with large, vibrant burgundy-red leaves ready for harvest in as little as 25 to 40 days. Its rapid growth and tolerance for both cool and warm conditions make it a versatile and reliable choice for gardeners in many climates.
The zesty, peppery flavor of Red Giant makes it a culinary standout in stir-fries, soups, and braised dishes. For those seeking different flavors or textures, other swift-growing mustard relatives include the feathery, mild 'Mizuna' (21 days) and the spoon-shaped 'Tatsoi' (45 days). These greens not only grow quickly but also add beautiful color and texture to the garden bed, proving that speed doesn't have to sacrifice visual appeal.
Key Growing Information
Growing mustard greens successfully is about managing their flavor and preventing them from bolting in high heat. Proper timing and harvesting are crucial for the best results.
- Sowing Time: For a spring crop, direct seed into the garden 2-3 weeks before the last frost. For a fall harvest, plant in late summer. In hot climates, providing some afternoon shade will extend the growing season and prevent bitterness.
- Spacing: Sow seeds a half-inch deep and 1 inch apart. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to 4-6 inches apart to give the plants enough space to develop their large, full leaves.
- Harvesting: You can begin harvesting individual outer leaves when they are young and tender for a milder flavor. For a full-head harvest, cut the entire plant at the base once it reaches the desired size, typically before summer heat intensifies.
Pro Tip: The flavor of mustard greens intensifies as the leaves mature and the weather gets warmer. Harvest young, tender leaves for a milder, more palatable addition to fresh salads. For a continuous harvest, sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks.
8. Bush Beans (Provider)
For a hearty and productive crop that materializes in under two months, bush beans are an excellent addition to the list of fast growing vegetables from seed. The 'Provider' variety is a particularly reliable and speedy option, famous for its ability to produce abundant, stringless green pods in just 50 to 55 days. Because it was developed for cool soil tolerance and disease resistance, it provides an early start and a dependable harvest, making it a favorite for gardeners in various climates.
As a bush variety, 'Provider' beans grow into a compact, sturdy plant that doesn't require trellising or staking, a significant advantage for small-space gardeners. They produce a concentrated set of pods, ideal for a large harvest for canning, freezing, or enjoying fresh. While Provider is a top choice, other quick-growing bush beans include the classic 'Contender' (48 days) and the striking 'Royal Burgundy' (51 days), which produces deep purple pods that turn green when cooked.
Key Growing Information
Success with bush beans comes from proper planting time and consistent harvesting. Providing the right conditions ensures a robust yield of tender, flavorful pods.
- Sowing Time: Plant seeds directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). Planting too early in cold, wet soil can cause the seeds to rot.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep and about 2 inches apart in rows. No thinning is required. The plants will grow to support each other.
- Harvesting: Begin picking beans when the pods are firm, crisp, and about the thickness of a pencil. Harvest regularly, at least every other day, as this encourages the plant to produce more pods and extends the harvest window.
Pro Tip: To ensure a steady supply of fresh beans throughout the summer, practice succession planting. Sow a new block of seeds every 2-3 weeks until mid-summer. This simple strategy staggers the harvest for continuous enjoyment.
9. Scallions (Bunching Onions)
For a continuous supply of mild onion flavor, scallions (also known as bunching onions) are an incredibly rewarding and fast-growing choice. You can begin snipping the green tops in just 20-30 days, with full stems ready for pulling in about 60 days. Unlike bulbing onions, they are grown for their tender green stalks and small white bases, making them perfect for quick harvests.
Their "cut-and-come-again" nature means a single planting can provide fresh greens for months. They are ideal for containers, small garden beds, and as a border plant. Their upright growth habit takes up very little space, making them a highly efficient crop for any gardener.
Key Growing Information
Growing scallions is remarkably simple, as they are forgiving and require minimal care once established.
- Sowing Time: Direct sow seeds from early spring through late summer for a continuous harvest until the first hard frost.
- Spacing: Plant seeds a quarter-inch deep and about a half-inch apart. No thinning is necessary, as they grow well in dense clusters.
- Harvesting: Snip the outer green tops with scissors once they are 6 inches tall, leaving the base to regrow. Alternatively, pull the entire plant when the stem is about the thickness of a pencil.
Pro Tip: Plant a dense patch of scallions in a container near your kitchen door for easy access. They will regrow multiple times after being cut, providing a nearly endless supply.
10. Cucumbers (Spacemaster)
For those with limited space who crave the taste of homegrown cucumbers, the 'Spacemaster' variety is a game-changer. This compact bush-type cucumber produces full-sized, delicious fruits on vines that only grow 2-3 feet long, making it perfect for containers and small garden plots. Best of all, it's one of the fastest cucumbers from seed, ready for harvest in about 56-60 days.
This variety is bred for productivity in small spaces, yielding an impressive amount of 7-8 inch slicing cucumbers without the sprawling vines that can take over a garden. Its disease resistance adds to its reliability, ensuring a successful crop even for beginner gardeners.
Key Growing Information
Success with bush cucumbers relies on adequate sun, water, and nutrients to support their rapid fruit production.
- Sowing Time: Plant seeds directly in the garden or in large containers after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm.
- Spacing: Sow 3-4 seeds in a small mound or pot, thinning to the strongest two plants. If planting in rows, space them about 12 inches apart.
- Harvesting: Pick cucumbers when they reach their ideal size. Regular harvesting is crucial, as it encourages the plant to produce more fruit.
Pro Tip: Even though it's a bush variety, providing a small cage or stake can help lift the leaves and fruit off the ground, improving air circulation and making harvesting easier.
11. Zucchini (Black Beauty)
Zucchini is famously productive, and the 'Black Beauty' variety combines that vigor with impressive speed. This classic heirloom is one of the fastest growing vegetables from seed in the summer garden, producing glossy, dark green fruits in as little as 45-55 days. Its open-bush habit makes harvesting easy, which is essential because you'll be picking them frequently.
A single 'Black Beauty' plant can produce an astonishing amount of zucchini, making it a highly economical choice for home gardeners. Its versatility in the kitchen—from grilling and roasting to baking—ensures that none of your bountiful harvest will go to waste.
Key Growing Information
The key to a successful zucchini harvest is warm soil, consistent watering, and—most importantly—frequent picking.
- Sowing Time: Plant seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date when the soil has thoroughly warmed up.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep in hills of 2-3, spacing the hills about 3 feet apart. Thin to the strongest plant in each hill.
- Harvesting: Harvest zucchini when they are 6-8 inches long for the best flavor and texture. Check plants daily, as they can grow from tiny to enormous overnight.
Pro Tip: Frequent harvesting is essential not only for better-tasting fruit but also to signal the plant to keep producing. Leaving a giant zucchini on the vine will slow down or stop new fruit production.
Start Your Speedy Garden Today
Now that you're armed with a list of exceptional fast growing vegetables from seed, the journey from a tiny seed to a delicious harvest is shorter than you might think. We've explored a variety of rapid growers, from the peppery crunch of Radishes and Arugula to the tender leaves of Spinach and Lettuce. The key takeaway is that a productive garden doesn't require months of waiting. By choosing the right varieties and understanding their needs, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown food in as little as three weeks.
The true beauty of these speedy vegetables lies in their versatility and the immediate gratification they provide. For new gardeners, they offer quick wins that build confidence. For experienced cultivators, they are perfect for succession planting, filling gaps between slower crops, and extending the harvest season well into the cooler months. The consistent cycle of sowing and harvesting creates a dynamic, ever-changing garden that is as exciting to watch as it is to eat from.
Turning Knowledge into Harvests
The information in this article is your blueprint for success. To get started, you don't need a massive plot of land. Many of these selections, like Bok Choy, Bush Beans, and most leafy greens, thrive in containers on a sunny patio or balcony. Your next steps are simple yet crucial:
- Select Your Seeds: Choose two or three varieties from our list that appeal to your taste and suit your climate. Don't be afraid to experiment with something new, like the crisp, sweet Hakurei Turnips.
- Prepare Your Soil: The foundation of any successful garden, especially a fast-paced one, is nutrient-rich soil. These plants grow so quickly they need readily available nutrients to fuel their development. Amending your soil with compost is the single best thing you can do for a bountiful harvest.
- Master the Timing: Pay close attention to the "days to maturity" and ideal sowing temperatures for each vegetable. Cool-season crops like Spinach and Radishes can be planted early in spring and again in fall, while Bush Beans prefer the warmth of summer.
As you embark on your speedy gardening journey, remember the importance of healthy soil. One of the best ways to enrich your garden naturally is by creating your own compost from kitchen scraps and yard trimmings. Using sustainable solutions like compostable garden waste bags for your food scraps and yard waste makes the process cleaner and more manageable, contributing to a truly circular garden ecosystem.
Ultimately, growing these fast growing vegetables from seed is about more than just speed. It's about connecting with your food source, reducing your grocery bill, and enjoying the unparalleled flavor of produce picked just moments before it hits your plate. The satisfaction of watching a seed sprout and grow into a meal in under a month is a powerful motivator. So, embrace the pace, get your hands dirty, and start your speedy garden today. The rewards are just a few short weeks away.
Ready to plant your own rapid-harvest garden? Find high-quality, non-GMO, and heirloom seeds for all the vegetables on this list and more at Homegrown Garden. We provide everything you need to cultivate a thriving garden, one quick harvest at a time. Explore our curated collections at Homegrown Garden and start growing today
