Fast Growing Vegetable Plants

Waiting for your vegetable garden to produce its first crops can be frustrating. Planting a few of the faster-growing vegetables from this list will help put fresh, vegetables on your table quickly. There are many options for fast-growing vegetable plants from which to choose.

Okra Produces in 50 to 65 Days

Okra is east to grow in any soil type, even in colder climates. It is compatible with almost any other vegetable plant and produces crops in as little as seven to eight weeks. Seeds can be planted four weeks after the last frost, and plants do best when temperatures remain above 70.

Turnips -- Greens Are Ready in 40 Days, Roots in 60 Days

Turnips like cool weather and do especially well when planted with peas. Deep, loose soil with lots of organic matter worked in and moderate watering will ensure a healthy, fast-growing plant. Greens can be harvested when the plants are young. Only taking a few leaves from each plant will allow the root to continue to grow. Harvest roots about two to three weeks later, when they are between 1 and 3 inches in diameter.

Spinach Produces in 40 Days

Another cool-temperature vegetable, spinach is a fast-growing vegetable plant. Leaves can be harvested in four to six weeks by cutting the older, larger leaves. The plant will continue to produce until heat becomes a problem. Another crop can be planted for fall use.

Lettuce Produces in 30 Days

Preferring temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees, lettuce is a perfect springtime crop that grows rapidly. Lettuce can withstand light freezes. Outer leaves can be harvested in about four weeks.

Radishes Produce in 21 to 35 Days

The fastest-growing vegetable plant, radishes can be harvested in as little as three weeks. Planting new crops at 10-day intervals will provide a constant source. Harvest when radish is bigger than a grape.

Resources

• Your Vegetable Gardening Helper