22 Fast-Growing Vegetables Ready to Eat in 45 Days or Less

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Gardening is often a lesson in patience, but not all vegetables take months to mature. If you’re looking for quick results, plenty of fast-growing varieties are ready to harvest in just 45 days or less.

With the right soil, sunlight, and care, these speedy crops will reward you with fresh, homegrown produce in no time. Here are 22 vegetables you can grow and enjoy in just 45 days or less.

Bok Choy

Bok choy is a fast-growing leafy green that reaches maturity in as little as 30 days. This cool-weather crop thrives in spring and fall, making it an excellent choice for extended harvests. For best results, plant bok choy in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and keep it consistently moist.

Kale

Kale is a garden favorite for its rapid growth and continuous harvests. In under 30 days, you can start picking tender baby leaves, and the plant will keep producing throughout the season. With its rich nutrients and hardy nature, kale is perfect for adding homegrown greens to your meals in no time.

Radish

One of the fastest-growing vegetables, radishes mature in as little as three weeks. These crunchy, peppery roots are perfect for quick harvests, and their greens are edible as well.

Radicchio

Radicchio is another fast-growing green, often maturing in under 30 days. Its slightly bitter flavor pairs well with salads, and when left to grow, it can develop into a hardy perennial, producing fresh leaves year after year.

Watercress

Believed to be one of the oldest cultivated leafy greens, watercress boasts a bold, peppery flavor. It grows quickly, maturing in 30–40 days, but it requires moist conditions to thrive. If your garden doesn’t have naturally wet soil, you can grow watercress in a container filled with water or in an area with poor drainage.

Cucumbers

Few things are more refreshing than a crisp cucumber straight from the garden. These easy-to-grow vegetables flourish in warm, well-drained soil and can be trained to climb trellises to save space. Most cucumber varieties mature within 40–45 days, making them a great addition to a fast-growing garden.

Kohlrabi

A lesser-known member of the cabbage family, kohlrabi develops a round, swollen stem with a texture similar to a radish or turnip. This cool-season crop thrives in both spring and fall, reaching maturity in about 45 days. Its crisp, mildly sweet flavor makes it a great addition to salads and stir-fries.

Arugula

Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green that thrives in cool weather. With fertile soil and consistent moisture, it can be harvested in as little as 20–30 days. This peppery green is a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and pesto, and it continues producing until the first frost.

Basil

Basil is an easy-to-grow herb that thrives in warm, sunny conditions. While it takes longer to reach full maturity, young basil leaves can be harvested in about 30–40 days. For the best results, start basil seeds indoors and transplant them outside once the risk of frost has passed.

Summer Squash

Fast-growing and high-yielding, summer squash can be harvested in under 45 days. They thrive in warm, fertile soil and continue producing fruit throughout the season.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are quick to sprout and grow, ready to harvest in just 30–45 days. Their slightly spicy, peppery flavor adds a kick to salads, sandwiches, and sautés.

Spinach

Spinach thrives in cool weather, growing quickly in spring and fall. This leafy green can be harvested in as little as 30 days and grows well in raised beds where moisture levels can be controlled. Regular harvesting encourages continuous leaf production.

Lettuce

Spinach thrives in cool weather, growing quickly in spring and fall. This leafy green can be harvested in as little as 30 days and grows well in raised beds where moisture levels can be controlled. Regular harvesting encourages continuous leaf production.

How to Store Lettuce

Sorrel

Sorrel is a tangy, citrus-flavored green that adds brightness to soups, salads, and sauces. As a hardy perennial, it continues producing year after year. It grows best in well-drained soil and can be harvested in about 30 days after planting.

Green Onions

Green onions, also known as scallions, are among the easiest vegetables to grow. They mature in just under 30 days and add a mild onion flavor to countless dishes. They thrive in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade.

Dill

Dill is a low-maintenance herb that grows quickly, reaching harvest in 30–40 days. Not only does it add a distinct flavor to dishes, but it also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs to your garden.

Chives

Chives are a resilient perennial herb that grows well in most soil types and weather conditions. Their mild onion-like flavor makes them perfect for adding freshness to potato dishes, soups, and salads.

Beet Greens

While beets take about 60 days to mature, their tender greens can be harvested much sooner—often in just a few weeks. Beet greens are nutrient-rich and make a great addition to salads and sautés.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a highly productive leafy green that grows quickly, often reaching harvest size in under 30 days. With its vibrant stems and tender leaves, it provides a steady supply of fresh greens throughout the season.

Purple Daikon Radish

A colorful twist on the classic daikon, this purple variety has a sweet, mild flavor and grows best in cooler weather. It reaches maturity in about 40 days, and inconsistent watering can enhance its natural spice.

How to Make Pickled Radish (Korean Pickled Daikon Radish Recipe)

Baby Carrots

Baby carrots are a fast-growing variety that thrives in loose, sandy soil. They mature in under 30 days when grown in ideal conditions, offering a sweet and crunchy snack straight from the garden.

Related: How to Store Carrots | 3 Ways

Beans and Peas

A wide variety of beans and peas, such as green beans and black-eyed peas, mature quickly and can be harvested in under 45 days. With the support of a trellis or growing posts, these crops maximize space and yield abundant harvests.

Related: How to Harvest Green Beans

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