Imagine cultivating a garden that rewards you year after year without the hassle of replanting every season. Welcome to the world of perennial vegetables—a game-changer for sustainable gardening. These long-lasting crops save time, reduce effort, and keep your garden thriving.
From nutrient-rich greens to flavorful roots, here’s your ultimate guide to 18 perennial vegetables that transform your backyard into an abundant, self-sustaining oasis.
1. Asparagus
A timeless favorite, asparagus delivers tender spears for up to 20 years.
- Planting Tips: Choose well-drained soil and full sun. Plant crowns 8–10 inches deep.
- Harvest: Begin harvesting in the second year. Springtime is prime for tender spears.
2. Rhubarb
Often mistaken for a fruit, rhubarb is a versatile perennial that thrives in cool climates.
- Planting Tips: Rich, well-drained soil is key. Plant crowns in early spring.
- Harvest: Wait until the second year; remember, the stalks are edible, but the leaves are toxic.
3. Artichokes
Elegant and delicious, artichokes make a stunning addition to any garden.
- Planting Tips: Mild climates and fertile, well-drained soil are ideal. Mulch for winter protection.
- Harvest: Pick buds before they open for peak flavor.
4. Horseradish
Known for its fiery kick, horseradish is a tough, low-maintenance perennial.
- Planting Tips: Full sun and well-drained soil work best. Keep it contained to avoid spreading.
- Harvest: Dig up roots in fall for a robust flavor.
5. Jerusalem Artichokes (Sunchokes)
Nutty and versatile, these tubers grow with minimal effort.
- Planting Tips: Plant in sandy, loose soil with full sun. They spread easily, so designate a controlled area.
- Harvest: Dig tubers in fall after plants die back.
6. Chives
A must-have herb that doubles as a perennial vegetable.
- Planting Tips: Full sun and well-drained soil ensure growth. Divide clumps every few years.
- Harvest: Snip leaves throughout the growing season.
7. Sorrel
With its tangy, lemony flavor, sorrel is perfect for soups and salads.
- Planting Tips: Moist, well-drained soil with partial to full sun is best.
- Harvest: Pick young leaves regularly for new growth.
8. Good King Henry
A spinach-like vegetable with European roots, this plant is slow to establish but worth the wait.
- Planting Tips: Rich soil and partial shade help it thrive.
- Harvest: Collect leaves in spring and early summer.
9. Walking Onions
Also called Egyptian onions, these unique perennials reproduce themselves.
- Planting Tips: They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
- Harvest: Use the greens or small bulbs as needed.
10. Lovage
This celery-like herb returns every year and enhances any dish.
- Planting Tips: Rich, moist soil and partial shade are ideal.
- Harvest: Pick leaves, stems, or seeds for culinary use.
11. Sea Kale
A multi-purpose perennial with edible leaves, flowers, and roots.
- Planting Tips: Sandy soil and full sun are perfect. Protect from frost with mulch.
- Harvest: Enjoy shoots, mature leaves, or blossoms.
12. Perennial Kale
Varieties like “Daubenton” kale offer greens all year round.
- Planting Tips: Fertile soil and full sun keep plants thriving.
- Harvest: Regularly pick leaves to encourage growth.
13. Skirret
An ancient root vegetable with a sweet, nutty taste.
- Planting Tips: Cool climates and moist, fertile soil are ideal.
- Harvest: Dig roots in late fall.
14. Perpetual Spinach
A type of chard that acts as a perennial in many climates.
- Planting Tips: Well-drained soil and partial shade are key.
- Harvest: Pick leaves often to keep plants producing.
15. Tree Collards
These towering brassicas grow up to 10 feet tall.
- Planting Tips: Rich soil, mild climates, and staking support are essential.
- Harvest: Leaves taste sweetest after frost.
16. Daylilies
Beyond their beauty, daylilies offer edible shoots, buds, and flowers.
- Planting Tips: Tolerates almost any soil; prefers full sun.
- Harvest: Enjoy young shoots and unopened buds.
17. Chinese Artichokes (Crosnes)
Crunchy, nutty tubers that are a rare treat.
- Planting Tips: Loose, well-drained soil with sun or partial shade suits them.
- Harvest: Dig tubers in fall or winter.
18. Watercress
Rich in nutrients, watercress thrives in wet conditions.
- Planting Tips: Grow in shallow water or moist soil with partial sun.
- Harvest: Regularly snip leaves for salads.
Why Grow Perennial Vegetables?
- Low Maintenance: Spend less time planting and more time harvesting.
- Cost-Effective: Save on seeds and gardening supplies.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduce soil disturbance and support soil health.
- Continuous Harvest: Enjoy fresh produce year-round.
- Resilient: Perennials adapt to harsh conditions and thrive with minimal care.
Plant these perennial vegetables today to create a garden that gives back year after year. Your sustainable gardening journey begins now—transform your backyard into a lush, self-sufficient paradise!
