17 Indoor Vegetables That Could Grow Quickly For Fresh Harvests
Growing vegetables indoors is a game-changer when you want fresh harvests no matter the season. I’ve tried different varieties and found some that sprout fast and keep producing without much hassle.
They’re perfect for small spaces, adding both flavor and greenery to your home. With the right setup, you can enjoy crunchy, vibrant produce in just weeks.
These quick-growing veggies make it easy to keep your kitchen stocked with fresh picks.
1. Microgreens
Ready to harvest in just 7-14 days, these nutrient powerhouses pack more vitamins and minerals than their fully-grown counterparts. Simply sprinkle seeds densely across a shallow tray of soil, mist regularly, and watch the magic happen.
When they reach 1-2 inches tall with their first set of true leaves, snip them just above soil level. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a vibrant garnish that adds both flavor and visual appeal to practically any dish.
2. Radishes
From seed to crunchy red globes in just 21-30 days, radishes give almost instant garden gratification. They thrive in containers at least 6 inches deep and don’t mind cooler indoor temperatures or partial sunlight.
Sow seeds half an inch deep and one inch apart, then thin to two inches once seedlings emerge. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Harvest when the colorful tops peek above soil – waiting too long results in pithy, overly spicy roots.
3. Lettuce
Cut-and-come-again varieties offer multiple harvests from a single planting. Sprinkle seeds over moist potting mix, barely covering them, and mist gently until germination occurs in about 7 days.
Place near a bright window but avoid direct afternoon sun that can scorch tender leaves. Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants reach 4 inches tall, allowing inner leaves to continue growing. With proper care, a single planting provides fresh salad greens for up to two months!
4. Spinach
This leafy superfood grows quickly in cooler indoor environments, making it perfect for winter windowsills. Plant seeds half an inch deep in rich potting soil, keeping them consistently moist until germination occurs in 5-7 days.
Baby leaves can be harvested in just 3-4 weeks by carefully picking outer leaves. For maximum nutrition, eat spinach fresh rather than storing it. The plants appreciate regular feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer to maintain vigorous growth through multiple harvests.
5. Arugula
Spicy and distinctive, arugula reaches harvestable size in just 3 weeks from sowing. The peppery leaves grow best in containers at least 4 inches deep with drainage holes and quality potting mix.
Scatter seeds thinly and cover with a quarter-inch of soil. Place in bright indirect light and keep soil consistently moist. Harvest outer leaves when they reach 2-3 inches long or cut the entire plant an inch above soil level – it will likely regrow for a second harvest!
6. Green Onions
Skip the seeds entirely by placing store-bought green onion bottoms (with roots attached) in a glass of water or potting soil. New growth appears within days, ready for cutting in just 1-2 weeks.
Change water every few days if using the water method, or keep soil lightly moist. Trim what you need while leaving an inch above the roots, and they’ll keep producing for months. For stronger flavor, grow in a very sunny spot – a south-facing window is ideal.
7. Pea Shoots
Sweet and tender with a flavor reminiscent of fresh peas, these shoots are ready to snip in just 10-14 days. Soak dried peas overnight, then spread them closely (but not touching) atop moist potting mix in a shallow tray.
Cover with a thin layer of soil, mist thoroughly, and place in bright indirect light. Harvest when shoots reach 3-4 inches tall by cutting just above the lowest set of leaves. The delicate tendrils and leaves add garden-fresh flavor to stir-fries, salads, and sandwiches.
8. Bok Choy
This Asian green reaches baby size in just 30 days, thriving in containers at least 6 inches deep. Plant seeds a quarter-inch deep, then thin seedlings to 3 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
Place in bright light but protect from intense afternoon sun. Keep soil consistently moist and feed with diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Harvest entire plants when they reach 4-6 inches tall, or extend your harvest by picking outer leaves individually while the center continues growing.
9. Kale
Baby kale leaves can be harvested just 25-30 days after planting, no garden required! Start seeds in containers at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes and nutrient-rich potting mix.
Position in your brightest window – kale loves sunlight. Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants reach 4 inches tall, leaving the center to continue producing. Cooler indoor temperatures actually improve flavor by encouraging natural sugars to develop, making winter the perfect indoor growing season.
10. Basil
Technically an herb but used like a leafy green in many cuisines, basil reaches harvestable size in just 3-4 weeks. Plant seeds in well-draining soil, covering lightly, and keep consistently moist until germination occurs in 5-10 days.
Place in your sunniest window – basil needs at least 6 hours of bright light daily. Begin harvesting when plants have at least 6 leaves, pinching stems just above leaf nodes to encourage bushy growth. Regular harvesting prevents flowering and keeps fresh leaves coming for months.
11. Mustard Greens
Spicy and versatile, these fast-growing greens can be harvested as babies in just 21 days. Sow seeds thinly in containers at least 4 inches deep, barely covering with soil, and mist gently until germination occurs in 4-7 days.
Place in bright indirect light and keep soil consistently moist. Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants reach 3-4 inches tall. The distinctive peppery flavor mellows slightly when cooked, making these greens perfect for both fresh salads and quick stir-fries.
12. Cilantro
Love it or hate it, this polarizing herb grows quickly indoors, ready for first harvest in about 3-4 weeks. Sow seeds directly in 6-inch deep containers filled with well-draining potting mix, covering with a quarter-inch of soil.
Place in bright indirect light rather than intense direct sun. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Harvest outer stems by cutting just above soil level when plants reach 6 inches tall. For continuous harvest, sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks.
13. Bean Sprouts
Ready in just 2-5 days, bean sprouts require no soil whatsoever! Simply soak mung beans overnight in a jar, drain, then rinse and drain twice daily while keeping the jar away from direct sunlight.
Watch as tiny white sprouts emerge and grow longer each day. Harvest when sprouts reach 2-3 inches long, then refrigerate to stop growth. The crunchy texture and mild flavor make these sprouts perfect for stir-fries, spring rolls, or adding fresh crunch to sandwiches.
14. Watercress
This peppery superfood grows remarkably fast in just water, no soil required! Place stem ends of store-bought watercress in a shallow dish with an inch of water, changing water daily.
New roots and leaves appear within days. Once established, transplant to containers with consistently wet (but not submerged) potting mix. Position in bright indirect light and begin harvesting tender stem tips in just 2-3 weeks. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and extended harvests.
15. Turnip Greens
While the roots take longer, turnip greens can be harvested just 30 days after planting. Sow seeds in containers at least 6 inches deep, covering with a quarter-inch of soil, and water gently until germination occurs in 3-7 days.
Position in bright light but avoid intense afternoon sun that can scorch leaves. Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants reach 4 inches tall. The slightly peppery greens become sweeter after light frost – or after spending time in your refrigerator!
16. Swiss Chard
Colorful and resilient, Swiss chard produces tender baby leaves in just 25-30 days and keeps growing for months with proper care. Sow seeds a half-inch deep in containers at least 8 inches deep, spacing them 4 inches apart once seedlings appear.
Place in bright light – a sunny windowsill or under grow lights works perfectly. Harvest outer leaves as needed, leaving the center intact for continuous production. The vibrant stems and mild, earthy flavor make it a versatile addition to salads, sautés, and soups.
17. Pak Choi
Also called baby bok choy, pak choi is ready for harvest in just 30-35 days, making it perfect for quick indoor growing. Plant seeds a quarter-inch deep in well-draining potting mix, thinning seedlings to 3 inches apart for healthy growth.
Give it bright, indirect light and keep soil evenly moist. Harvest the whole plant when it’s about 5-6 inches tall, or pick outer leaves to extend the harvest. Its crisp stems and tender leaves are delicious fresh, steamed, or in stir-fries.