Growing your own vegetables can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you can enjoy fresh produce in a short amount of time.
If you’re eager to harvest quickly, you’ll want to focus on fast-growing vegetables that mature within 60 days or less.
Whether you have a backyard garden, raised beds, or containers, these vegetables are perfect for a quick and productive harvest.
Here’s a list of some of the fastest-growing vegetables you can grow in under two months, along with tips for a successful harvest.
Why Grow Fast-Maturing Vegetables?
Choosing fast-growing vegetables has several advantages:
- Quick Harvest – Ideal for short growing seasons or gardeners who want immediate results.
- Multiple Successions – Allows for continuous planting and harvesting throughout the season.
- Perfect for Beginners – Easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.
- Great for Small Spaces – Many fast-growing vegetables can be grown in containers or small gardens.
- Ideal for Cool or Warm Climates – Some can be planted in early spring, late summer, or even year-round in mild regions.
The Fastest Growing Vegetables (Ready in 60 Days or Less)
1. Radishes (20-30 Days)
Radishes are one of the quickest-growing vegetables, maturing in as little as 20 days.
- Best Varieties: Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, Easter Egg
- Growing Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden or container.
- Space them at least 1 inch apart to avoid overcrowding.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Harvest Time: Pull radishes when they are about 1 inch in diameter to avoid them becoming too spicy.
2. Green Onions (20-30 Days)
Green onions (scallions) grow quickly and can be harvested in about three to four weeks.
- Best Varieties: Evergreen Hardy White, White Lisbon
- Growing Tips:
- Plant seeds or onion sets directly in the soil.
- Keep soil well-drained and water regularly.
- You can also regrow green onions from kitchen scraps.
- Harvest Time: Cut the greens when they reach 6-8 inches tall, leaving the bulbs in the ground for continuous regrowth.
3. Lettuce (30-50 Days)
Lettuce grows fast, especially when grown as baby greens, which can be harvested in just 30 days.
- Best Varieties: Buttercrunch, Romaine, Black Seeded Simpson
- Growing Tips:
- Plant in cool temperatures for best results.
- Use succession planting to ensure continuous harvests.
- Pick the outer leaves to allow the plant to continue growing.
- Harvest Time: 30-50 days, depending on the variety.
4. Spinach (30-45 Days)
Spinach is packed with nutrients and grows quickly, making it a great addition to any garden.
- Best Varieties: Bloomsdale, Baby Leaf, Space Hybrid
- Growing Tips:
- Prefers cooler temperatures (ideal for spring and fall planting).
- Keep soil moist to prevent bolting.
- Harvest by picking outer leaves to allow for continued growth.
- Harvest Time: Baby spinach leaves are ready in 30 days, while mature leaves take 45 days.
5. Arugula (30-40 Days)
Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green with a peppery flavor that’s perfect for salads.
- Best Varieties: Rocket, Astro
- Growing Tips:
- Sow seeds every 2 weeks for continuous harvests.
- Keep soil moist and provide partial shade in hot weather.
- Harvest Time: 30-40 days for mature leaves, or harvest baby greens in just 20 days.
6. Bok Choy (30-45 Days)
Bok choy is a fast-growing Asian green that thrives in cool weather.
- Best Varieties: Shanghai Green, Joi Choi
- Growing Tips:
- Grow in partial shade during summer to prevent bolting.
- Keep soil moist for tender leaves.
- Harvest Time: 30-45 days for full heads, or 20 days for baby bok choy.
7. Turnips (40-60 Days)
Turnips grow quickly and can be harvested for both their greens and roots.
- Best Varieties: Purple Top, Tokyo Cross
- Growing Tips:
- Harvest turnip greens in 30 days, and roots in 40-60 days.
- Thin seedlings to 3 inches apart for larger roots.
- Harvest Time: Pull roots when they are about 2-3 inches in diameter.
8. Beets (45-60 Days)
Beets are fast-growing root vegetables that also offer nutritious greens.
- Best Varieties: Detroit Dark Red, Golden Beets, Chioggia
- Growing Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in well-draining soil.
- Harvest the greens early while waiting for the roots to mature.
- Harvest Time: 45-60 days for full-sized beets, or 30 days for greens.
9. Zucchini (50-60 Days)
Zucchini grows incredibly fast and produces a high yield.
- Best Varieties: Black Beauty, Golden Zucchini, Cocozelle
- Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun and provide plenty of space.
- Harvest young zucchini when they are 6-8 inches long for best flavor.
- Harvest Time: 50-60 days.
10. Bush Beans (50-60 Days)
Bush beans grow quickly and are easier to manage than pole beans.
- Best Varieties: Provider, Blue Lake, Contender
- Growing Tips:
- Sow directly in soil after the last frost.
- Harvest beans every few days to encourage more production.
- Harvest Time: 50-60 days.
Tips for Growing Fast-Maturing Vegetables
- Use Succession Planting: Sow new seeds every 1-2 weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Provide Plenty of Sunlight: Most fast-growing vegetables need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Keep Soil Fertile: Use compost or organic fertilizers to promote quick growth.
- Water Consistently: Keep soil evenly moist to prevent stress on the plants.
- Harvest Regularly: Picking vegetables early encourages more production.
Growing fast-maturing vegetables is an excellent way to enjoy fresh produce in a short amount of time.
Whether you’re a beginner gardener or just looking for a quick harvest, these 10+ fastest-growing vegetables will help you get the most out of your garden.
