Are you tired of starting your garden from scratch every spring? Well, it’s time to discover the perennial vegetables! With this method, you can enjoy home-grown food year after year without the hassle of constantly replanting. So why not give it a try and see the benefits for yourself?
Once you have established perennial crops, you will find that they require minimal maintenance. These crops have deeper roots than annuals, making them more resilient during dry spells. Interestingly, perennials also exhibit greater resistance to pests, diseases, and the pressure exerted by neighboring plants.
#1. Artichoke
Artichokes, with their striking silver-green foliage and large, edible flower buds, are a gourmet’s dream. More surprisingly, they can grow up to 4 feet tall! Artichokes need a sunny spot and well-drained soil. In colder climates, they might need some winter protection. You should be patient, as they take a year or two to start producing those delicious buds.
#2. Asparagus
Asparagus, with its tender spears, is a springtime superstar. These hardy perennial vegetables come back year after year, gracing your garden with their fern-like foliage. Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, plus folate and fiber. It’s low in calories but high in deliciousness. The key is to give it plenty of space to spread out. Once established, it’ll reward you for decades.
#3. Chinese Artichoke
Chinese artichoke is a quirky perennial with knobby, edible tubers. It’s also called “crosne” and adds a delightful crunch to dishes. These tubers are low in calories but high in fiber and minerals like potassium. They can be harvested in late fall or early spring.
#4. Egyptian Leek
Egyptian leek is a perennial onion that’s super easy to grow. Its green, onion-flavored leaves make it a versatile kitchen staple. Plus, they’re a good source of vitamin C and add a zesty kick to your dishes. Plant Egyptian leeks in well-drained soil and you can enjoy the bounty of green onions without the need for replanting.
#5. Egyptian Walking Onion
This onion variety is like a garden acrobat – it literally walks! The bulbs form at the top of the stalks, causing them to bend and plant themselves. It loves a sunny spot with well-drained soil. In addition, they’re low-maintenance, and once established, they’ll keep walking around your garden.
#6. French Sorrel
French sorrel is a smaller, milder version of its tangy cousin. It has slender, arrow-shaped leaves with a gentle lemony flavor. French sorrel should be planted in partial shade to keep it from bolting in the heat. Keep the soil moist, and you’ll have a steady supply of this citrusy delight.
#7. Garlic
Garlic is a classic perennial bulb that’s famous for its unmistakable aroma and robust flavor. It is a nutritional powerhouse, with compounds like allicin that have various health benefits. We suggest you plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil in the fall for a summer harvest. It’s low-maintenance and practically takes care of itself.
#8. Good King Henry
Good King Henry, also known as Lincolnshire spinach, is a low-maintenance perennial green. Its mild flavor and spinach-like leaves are perfect for salads and stir-fries. It requires minimal fuss, only requires well-drained soil, making it perfect for gardeners who want their greens without the green thumb.
#9. Horseradish
Horseradish is known for its bold, peppery flavor. It’s a rugged perennial that doesn’t back down from a fight – it’ll thrive where other plants fear to tread. It demands plenty of sunlight to grow. This vegetable is almost impossible to kill, so don’t be shy – harvest those roots!
#10. Kale And Collards
Kale and collards are perennial leafy greens that are packed with vitamins and minerals. They’re like a nutritional goldmine in your garden. You should plant them in well-drained soil with partial sunlight. They’re hardy and can endure frost, making them a year-round garden delight.
#11. Lovage
Lovage is a tall perennial herb that resembles celery but packs a more intense flavor punch. Its leaves, stems, and seeds are all edible and bursting with flavor. Lovage adores a sunny spot with rich, moist soil. It’s a hardy herb that’ll come back year after year, providing an endless supply of flavor.
#12. Ostrich Fern
Ostrich ferns are a stunning, ornamental perennial that also happens to produce tasty fiddleheads in the spring. Its fiddleheads are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and iron and can be harvested when they’re young and tender for a gourmet treat.
#13. Radicchio
Radicchio is a perennial chicory with beautiful, wine-colored leaves that add elegance to your garden and salads. It’s low in calories but high in vitamins K and C, and it’s loaded with antioxidants. Its bitter leaves become sweeter after the first frost, making it a gourmet winter treat.
#14. Ramps
Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are perennial wild onions with a garlicky twist that will add a burst of flavor to dishes. Plant ramps in moist, well-drained soil in a shady spot. They’re low-maintenance and provide a wild, earthy taste to your meals.
#15. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is known for its tart stalks and oversized, lush leaves. It’s a hardy perennial that brings a pop of color to your garden. Additionally, rhubarb is a vitamin C champ. It’s also rich in fiber and antioxidants. But beware, those lovely stalks are tart, so sugar or honey might be needed in your recipes.
#16. Scarlet Runner Beans
Scarlet runner beans are perennial vines with stunning red flowers and edible pods. They’re not just tasty, they’re also gorgeous. Scarlet runner beans should be planted in well-drained soil and require support to climb. After being harvested, its young pods can be a crisp, flavorful addition to your dishes.
#17. Sea Kale
Sea kale is a coastal perennial that thrives in sandy soils. Its unique bluish-green leaves and delicate white flowers make it a lovely ornamental plant too. If you’re not on the coast, mimic sea kale’s native environment with sandy, well-drained soil. Harvest the tender shoots in spring for a taste of the seaside.
#18. Skirret
Skirret is one of the perennial vegetables that’s making a comeback. Its sweet, nutty roots are similar to carrots and parsnips. Plus, skirret roots are rich in fiber and essential nutrients like potassium. Plant skirret in well-drained soil, and just watch it thrive. Harvest the roots when they reach a desirable size, and you can enjoy this rediscovered gem.
#19. Sorrel
Sorrel’s bright green, arrow-shaped leaves have a tangy, lemony flavor that adds a zing to your salads and soups. It’s a perennial herb that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Sorrel prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. Keep the soil consistently moist, and you’ll be rewarded with its zesty leaves.
#20. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are perennial vegetables that produce delectable tubers. They’re not just delicious but also easy to grow. Plant sweet potato slips in well-drained soil and let them sprawl or climb. Fall is the time to harvest the tubers and then, you can savor the sweetness. For more planting tips, you can check out here.
#21. Turkish Rocket
Turkish rocket is a perennial green with spicy, mustard-like leaves. It’s a delightful addition to salads and cooked dishes. When it comes to harvest, its leaves should be picked when they’re young for the best flavor.
#22. Watercress
Watercress is a perennial aquatic plant with small, peppery leaves that grow along streambanks. It’s been enjoyed for its unique flavor for centuries. About planting, you can grow watercress in a container with a saucer filled with water to mimic its natural habitat.
These fabulous perennial vegetables are not only easy to care for but also incredibly nutritious and versatile in your kitchen kitchen. Once planted, they will give you bountiful harvest and the endless delight of enjoying home-grown vegetables. If you are ready to enjoy a harvest that comes back year after year, let us know by leaving a comment.
