Perennial vegetables are a gardener’s secret weapon for a sustainable and low-maintenance garden.
Unlike annual vegetables that need to be replanted every season, perennial vegetables grow back year after year, providing a continuous harvest with minimal effort.
Planting these vegetables once can reward you with years of delicious and nutritious produce, saving both time and money.
Here are 12 perennial vegetables to consider for your garden that will keep on giving for years to come.
1. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Asparagus is a hardy perennial that can produce tender, delicious spears for up to 20 years or more once established. Although it takes a couple of years to reach full maturity, asparagus is well worth the wait for its early spring harvests.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant asparagus crowns in well-drained soil in a sunny spot.
- Maintenance: Keep the bed weed-free and fertilize annually to encourage growth.
- Harvesting: Start harvesting spears in the third year, and continue for 6-8 weeks each spring.
2. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable known for its tart stalks, which are perfect for pies, jams, and sauces. This cold-hardy plant can produce for decades and requires minimal care.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant rhubarb crowns in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun exposure.
- Maintenance: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and remove flower stalks to encourage leaf stalk production.
- Harvesting: Harvest by pulling the stalks from the base when they are 12-18 inches long, leaving at least one-third of the plant intact.
3. Jerusalem Artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are tuberous vegetables that resemble small potatoes. They are easy to grow and can be harvested in late fall and winter for a nutty, crunchy addition to your meals.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant tubers in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
- Maintenance: Sunchokes can spread aggressively, so plant them in a contained area or a raised bed.
- Harvesting: Dig up tubers in the fall after the first frost for the best flavor.
4. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Sorrel is a perennial leafy green with a tangy, lemony flavor that adds zest to salads, soups, and sauces. It’s easy to grow and thrives in cooler weather, making it one of the first greens available in spring.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant in a partially shaded area with well-drained soil.
- Maintenance: Cut back flowers to prevent bolting and encourage leaf growth.
- Harvesting: Pick young leaves regularly to encourage continuous growth.
5. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Horseradish is a hardy perennial that produces a spicy root used in condiments and sauces. It’s very low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant horseradish roots in a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil.
- Maintenance: Horseradish can become invasive, so consider planting it in a contained area.
- Harvesting: Harvest roots in the fall after the first frost for the best flavor.
6. Perennial Kale (Brassica oleracea var. ramosa)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Perennial kale, such as the Daubenton or Taunton Deane varieties, can produce tender leaves for years without needing to be replanted. It’s perfect for salads, smoothies, and soups.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny location.
- Maintenance: Regularly prune to encourage new growth and prevent flowering.
- Harvesting: Pick leaves as needed, and remove any flowers to keep the plant focused on leaf production.
7. Walking Onions (Allium × proliferum)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Walking onions, also known as Egyptian onions, are unique perennials that produce both bulbs and edible green tops. They get their name because they “walk” across the garden as the tops bend over and plant new bulbs.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in a sunny location.
- Maintenance: Water regularly and mulch to keep weeds down.
- Harvesting: Harvest green tops as needed, and dig up mature bulbs in late summer.
8. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Lovage is a perennial herb with a flavor similar to celery. Both the leaves and stems are edible and can be used in soups, stews, and salads. It’s also a great addition to a perennial vegetable garden for its versatility and low maintenance.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location.
- Maintenance: Water regularly and cut back flower stalks to promote leaf growth.
- Harvesting: Harvest leaves and stems as needed throughout the growing season.
9. Good King Henry (Blitum bonus-henricus)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Good King Henry, also known as wild spinach, is a perennial green that has been cultivated for centuries. It produces tender shoots and leaves that are similar to spinach and asparagus in flavor.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny location.
- Maintenance: Keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods.
- Harvesting: Harvest leaves and shoots in early spring and summer for the best flavor.
10. Sea Kale (Crambe maritima)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Sea kale is a coastal perennial vegetable that produces tender shoots, leaves, and flowers, all of which are edible. It’s a resilient plant that can tolerate salty conditions and poor soil.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
- Maintenance: Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture.
- Harvesting: Harvest young shoots in early spring, and leaves and flowers throughout the growing season.
11. Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Chinese artichoke, or crosne, is a low-maintenance perennial that produces small, nutty tubers. It is easy to grow and makes a great addition to any vegetable garden.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant tubers in well-drained soil in a sunny location.
- Maintenance: Water regularly and mulch to conserve moisture.
- Harvesting: Harvest tubers in the fall after the foliage dies back.
12. Wild Leeks (Allium tricoccum)
Why It’s a Great Choice
Wild leeks, also known as ramps, are a perennial favorite among foragers. They have a mild, garlicky flavor and are one of the first edibles to emerge in the spring.
Tips for Growing:
- Planting: Plant bulbs in a shady spot with rich, moist soil.
- Maintenance: Keep the soil consistently moist, and mulch to retain moisture.
- Harvesting: Harvest leaves in early spring and bulbs in late spring, but be mindful of overharvesting, as wild leeks can take several years to mature.
Planting perennial vegetables is a smart way to create a sustainable, low-maintenance garden that provides food year after year.
By choosing a variety of these hardy plants, you can enjoy fresh produce for years with minimal effort.
Incorporate these 12 perennial vegetables into your garden, and reap the benefits of a bountiful harvest season after season.
