Not all plants take months to grow or bloom. If you're short on patience but still want a lush garden fast, you're in luck. There are plenty of unique and often-overlooked plants that grow at lightning speed.
This list skips the usual suspects like lettuce and beans. Instead, we’re highlighting fast growers you probably haven’t tried—but definitely should.
Mung Beans
Often grown for sprouts, mung beans germinate in just 1–2 days. They're incredibly easy to grow indoors or out, and the tender shoots are packed with nutrition. Great for windowsill gardens and quick harvests.
Sweet Alyssum
This low-growing flower is not only fragrant but incredibly fast to bloom. Within weeks, you’ll have carpets of tiny blossoms that attract pollinators. It’s perfect for edging beds or filling bare spots.
Mizuna
A Japanese mustard green, mizuna grows quickly and tolerates a wide range of temperatures. Its frilly leaves are ready to harvest in under a month. Add it to salads for a peppery crunch.
Hyacinth Bean Vine
This ornamental climber sprouts fast and climbs aggressively with purple stems and violet pods. It adds dramatic flair to trellises and fences in no time. While the pods look edible, only young ones are safe to eat cooked.
Miner's Lettuce
This wild edible grows fast and thrives in shady spots. Its delicate, round leaves are packed with vitamin C and were once used by miners to prevent scurvy. A great native option for quick ground cover.
Corn Salad (Mâche)
Ready to harvest in about 3–4 weeks, corn salad grows well in cooler climates. Its nutty flavor and velvety texture make it a gourmet green. You won’t find this one in every garden, but you’ll be glad you planted it.
Purple Perilla (Shiso)
This fast-growing herb has a bold flavor and striking color. It's used in Asian cuisines and adds ornamental value with its deep purple leaves. A rare but rapid grower in herb gardens.
Turnip Greens
Turnips grow fast, but their greens are even quicker—often ready in 3 weeks. They're flavorful and packed with nutrients. Snip early and often for continuous harvests.
Egyptian Walking Onions
These unique onions grow rapidly and multiply on their own. They’re called "walking" onions because they spread via top sets that fall over and root. A quirky, productive addition to any garden.
Lemon Balm
This member of the mint family grows fast and spreads even faster. Its citrusy scent makes it a joy to have around, and it’s great for teas and calming remedies. Just keep it in a container if you want to control it.
If you’ve been sticking to the same fast-growing favorites, it’s time to branch out. These unique plants not only grow quickly but also bring flavor, beauty, and surprise to your garden. Instant gratification has never looked so interesting.
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