Grow These 15 Super-Fast Indoor Veggies And Enjoy Fresh Harvests In Just Weeks

I get impatient waiting for things to grow, so I’ve found a few veggies that don’t make me wait long. These 15 grow crazy fast indoors and are perfect if you’re short on time or just want something fresh without the fuss.

I’ve tried most of them myself, and it’s such a good feeling to pick your own food right from the windowsill. You don’t need a fancy setup—just a pot, some soil, and a little sunlight.

If you’re into quick wins, you’re going to love these!

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!