I’ll be honest—I never thought I’d be able to grow my own vegetables at home. Because I had no place to grow outside. Still, I started growing vegetables indoors as a hobby. In the beginning, I tried everything from simple vegetables to ambitious crops like cucumber. The work was very interesting. And once I started, I couldn’t stop. Along the way, I learned a lot about indoor gardening—what works, what doesn’t, and which are the fastest-growing vegetables indoors, etc.
If you’ve ever wondered if you could do the same, you’re in the right place. I have tried a bunch of different vegetables like lettuce, arugula, spinach, etc., which I am here to share with you. So, whether you’re short on space or looking for a fun hobby, let’s get started with some ideas to enjoy homegrown vegetables in just 20-30 days.
Table of Contents
Fastest Growing Vegetables Indoors: My Journey & Top Picks
1. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Microgreens (14 – 16 days)
I first started growing indoor vegetables with microgreens. I spread the seeds in a shallow tray and placed it in a sunny place. After just 2 days, I noticed the seeds started sprouting. With minimal maintenance, the microgreens were ready to harvest in just 14 days. I love to sprinkle them on salads, sandwiches, or soups.
2. Fastest Growing Vegetables Radishes (20–30 days)
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables I have found for indoor gardening. I have been able to harvest them in 20–30 days. I grew them in containers, and since they don’t need a lot of light, I put them on my windowsill. I made sure the soil was well-drained and watered them consistently. The crunch and peppery flavor they add to my salad is well worth my minimal effort!
3. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Lettuce (30 days)
Lettuce is a staple in my indoor garden. It grows so fast and is incredibly versatile. I grow them in small pots or even shallow trays. I usually choose leafy varieties like ‘Butter crunch’ or ‘Red Leaf’ as they can be harvested in about 30 days. So I can enjoy a fresh salad from my windowsill any time of the year.
4. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Spinach (20 – 30 days)
Spinach is another fastest-growing vegetables indoors. Baby spinach can be harvested in just 20-30 days. It is rich in nutrients and grows best in cool temperatures. So I keep away from direct heat sources. I have found that spinach grows best in well-drained soil with moderate light. So I ensure well-drained soil with moderate light for spinach.
5. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Green Onions (Scallions) (7- 8 days)
Green onions are the easiest to grow indoors. The best part is that they are regenerated from scrap. Whenever I use green onions, I save the white root ends. Then, I take a glass of water, place the green onion roots in it, and keep it on the windowsill. Then, only 5-6 days new green shoots start emerging, which are ready to be cut and used in my cooking. But for long-lasting crops, I sometimes plant them in the ground, which allows them to continue producing. I make sure they get lots of indirect light and keep the soil slightly moist. This is a low-maintenance way to keep fresh green onions on hand year-round.
6. Fastest Growing Vegetables Herbs (10 – 12 days)
I always keep a variety of herbs on my kitchen counter because they are so easy to grow. My favorites include basil, mint, parsley, and cilantro. They grow fast. I find that herbs thrive with a good amount of sunlight, so I keep them in a bright spot. Not only do they add flavor to my food, but they also make my kitchen smell amazing!
7. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes (50 – 70 days)
Cherry tomatoes have been a delightful addition to my indoor garden. I choose compact, determinate varieties like ‘Tiny Tim’ or ‘Patio Princess’. They are perfect for container gardening. With adequate sunlight and proper care, I usually start seeing fruit in about 50-70 days. There is nothing like the taste of freshly picked tomatoes, and I am so glad to see them growing in my garden.
8. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Carrots (45 – 50 days)
Carrots are surprisingly easy to grow indoors, especially small varieties like ‘Parisian’ or ‘Thumbelina’. I use deep pots filled with loose, sandy soil to give the roots plenty of room to develop. Carrots do not require much sunlight. Usual,ly 4-5 hours of light is enough. They start sprouting within 14 days. And I can usually start harvesting baby carrots in about 45–50 days.
9. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Bush beans (50 – 60 days)
Bush beans have been a fantastic indoor garden choice for me. They grow quickly, usually in 50-60 days, and don’t need a lot of space. I plant them in a large container, and they produce tender beans that I can harvest regularly. They thrive in bright, indirect light and are relatively low maintenance. Fresh beans straight from my garden taste so much better than store-bought!
10. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Peas (60 – 70 days)
Peas are another favorite of mine, especially varieties like sugar snap or snow peas. They grow well in cool temperatures and can be harvested in about 60-70 days. I use a trellis or some support to climb them, and they do great in a sunny window. The sweet, crunchy pods are perfect for snacking or adding to stir-fries.
11. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Baby Beets (50 – 60 days)
Baby beets are great for growing indoors. I plant them in deep containers to allow room for the roots to develop, and within 50-60 days, I have small, tender beets that I can roast, boil, or add to salads. Plus, beet greens are edible and make a nutritious addition to any meal.
12. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Arugula (20 – 30 days)
Arugula, or rocket, is a quick-growing green that adds a peppery flavor to salads. It can be harvested in about 20-30 days, making it one of the fastest-growing options in my indoor garden. I plant it in a shallow container, keep it in a sunny spot, and enjoy fresh arugula leaves regularly.
13. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Mushrooms (25 – 30 days)
Mushrooms have been a fun experiment in my indoor garden. I’ve grown oyster, shiitake, and white button mushrooms in a dark, humid spot in my home. They don’t need sunlight, which makes them unique among my indoor crops. With a mushroom kit, I can start harvesting in just a few weeks, and they add a rich, earthy flavor to my meals.
14. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Baby Bok Choy (30 – 40 days)
Baby bok choy is another fast-growing green that I love to have on hand. It can be harvested in about 30-40 days and adds a nice crunch to stir-fries and soups. I grow it in small pots, and it does well in cooler temperatures with partial sunlight.
15. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Swiss Chard (30 – 40 days)
Swiss chard adds color and nutrition to my indoor garden. Baby leaves can be harvested in 30-40 days, and it keeps producing with regular picking. It’s great for adding to smoothies, salads, and sautés. I grow it in medium-sized containers and make sure it gets plenty of light.
16. Fastest Growing Vegetables: Dwarf Peppers (60 – 90 days)
I love growing dwarf pepper varieties indoors. They’re compact, colorful, and perfect for containers. With enough sunlight, I usually see peppers in 60-90 days. Varieties like ‘Mini Bell’ or ‘Jalapeno’ are my favorites, adding flavor and a bit of heat to my dishes.
17. Baby Kale (25 – 30 days)
Baby kale is another nutritious option that grows quickly indoors. I can start harvesting baby leaves in about 25-30 days, and they’re perfect for salads, soups, and smoothies. Growing kale in a shallow container makes it easy to maintain and harvest.
18. Mustard greens (20 – 30 days)
Mustard greens are easy to grow indoors. They grow very fast. Mustard does not require deep soil. So, usually a 6-8 inch pot is enough. I have seen that they need good light for proper growth. So I put the pot on a sunny windowsill so it gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Usually, between 20- 30, I start cutting baby leaves. I usually cut off the outer leaves first, so the plant can grow new growth from the center.
19. Radicchio (50 – 60 days)
Radicchio is a chicory with a slightly bitter taste that I love adding to salads. It grows relatively quickly, maturing in about 60 days, and adds a beautiful red color to my garden. I grow it in deep containers and keep it in a sunny location.
20. Zucchini Blossoms (45 – 50 days)
Growing zucchini indoors might seem challenging, but focusing on the blossoms rather than the fruit is much more manageable. Zucchini blossoms can be harvested in about 45-50 days, and they’re a delicious delicacy that adds something special to dishes.
Conclusion
Finally, I will say that fastest growing vegetables indoors is a rewarding experience, allowing me to enjoy fresh produce year-round. Whether it’s fast-growing greens, flavorful herbs, or even some fun experiments like mushrooms and dwarf peppers, there are plenty of options to explore. I hope my journey and these tips inspire you to start your indoor garden and enjoy fresh, homegrown flavors daily.
