When I started my first container garden on our tiny apartment balcony, space and time were tight.
That’s when I found these 8 leafy greens that go from seed to salad in 15 days!
They’ve changed how we eat at home.
8 Fast-Growing Leafy Green Vegetables
1. Fenugreek
Fenugreek has become a staple in my kitchen garden. After the seeds germinate, I can harvest the leaves in just 12-14 days.
I simply trim off the fresh mature leaves, and to my delight, new ones regrow in a week or two. It’s like magic!
These versatile leaves are perfect for sautéing lightly, adding to salads, or using in sandwiches. When I’m feeling creative, I use them as a healthy spinach alternative in my recipes.
2. Arugula (Rocket)
Arugula, or rocket as it’s sometimes called, is a speedy grower in my garden. The seedlings develop in 4-17 days after planting, depending on the conditions.
I’ve found that harvesting earlier results in sweeter and more tender leaves. The peppery taste of arugula adds a wonderful kick to my salads, especially when paired with lettuce and spinach.
3. Green Onions
Green onions are my go-to for adding flavor to various dishes. Their versatility in the kitchen is matched only by how easy they are to grow.
I harvest by cutting the fresh tops, always leaving at least an inch of shoots. To my amazement, they regrow repeatedly!
I even grow them in my kitchen window for easy access while cooking.
4. Spinach
Spinach is ready to harvest in just two weeks after seed germination. It’s become a family favorite in our house.
I wait until the plants have 5-6 healthy leaves, about 3-4 inches in length, before harvesting. This ensures I get the most nutritious and flavorful leaves for our meals.
5. Pea Shoots
Pea shoots have been a delightful discovery in my gardening journey. They’re ready to harvest in just 13-15 days and need very little space.
I grow them on my sunny windowsill, making them perfect for small spaces. We enjoy them fresh in salads, and they’ve become our favorite lettuce alternative.
6. Garden Cress
Garden cress is ready to harvest in a mere 10 days! It’s become my secret weapon for adding flavor to dishes quickly.
I use a rich, well-draining growing medium and ensure it gets 4-5 hours of direct sunlight daily. The peppery flavor is fantastic in sandwiches, salads, or lightly sautéed.
It’s a great spinach alternative that’s added variety to our meals.
7. Microgreens
Microgreens have stolen my heart with their quick growth and versatility. The seeds germinate in just 2-3 days!
I provide them with plenty of sunlight, warmth, and water. When they reach 3-4 inches tall, I start harvesting.
The best part? They keep on growing, providing a continuous supply of fresh greens for our table.
8. Lettuce
Lettuce rounds out my list of fast-growing greens. The seeds germinate quickly, and the plants are ready to harvest in just two weeks after germination.
I harvest when the leaves are 4-6 inches in length, perfect for salads and sandwiches. It’s so satisfying to serve a salad made entirely from our garden!