Gardening enthusiasts often look for plants that provide a consistent yield without the need for annual replanting. Perennial vegetables are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they come back year after year, offering both sustainability and ease of maintenance.
Here, we explore 20 perennial vegetables that you can plant once and enjoy for years to come.
1. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
Asparagus is a hardy perennial that can thrive in most temperate climates. Once established, it produces delicious spears each spring for 15 years or more. Plant crowns in well-drained soil and full sun for optimal growth. Although it takes a few years to reach full production, the wait is worth it for the consistent harvests.
This vegetable requires minimal care once established. Mulching helps retain moisture and control weeds, while periodic feeding with compost or organic fertilizer keeps the plants healthy. With its unique flavor and nutritional benefits, asparagus is a valuable addition to any perennial garden.
2. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Rhubarb is known for its tart stalks, which are often used in desserts and preserves. This perennial thrives in cool climates and prefers rich, well-drained soil. Plant rhubarb crowns in early spring or fall, spacing them about three feet apart to allow room for growth.
Harvesting can begin in the second year, and mature plants can produce for up to 20 years. Rhubarb needs regular watering and annual compost application to maintain its vigor. It's important to avoid harvesting too many stalks at once, as the plant needs enough foliage to sustain itself through the growing season.
3. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
Artichokes are a perennial vegetable native to the Mediterranean region, known for their edible flower buds. They thrive in mild, frost-free climates and require well-drained soil and full sun. Plant artichokes in rows or clusters, spacing them at least four feet apart.
Once established, artichokes can be produced for several years, with peak yields in their second and third years. Regular watering, mulching, and feeding with balanced fertilizer support their growth. Pruning back old stems after harvest encourages new shoots, ensuring a continuous supply of buds.
4. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Horseradish is a perennial root vegetable with a pungent flavor, commonly used as a condiment. It grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant root cuttings in early spring, spacing them about 18 inches apart to allow room for their extensive root systems.
Horseradish is a low-maintenance crop that can produce for many years. It's important to contain its spread, as it can become invasive. Harvest roots in late fall or early spring, taking care to leave some pieces in the ground for regrowth. Regularly thinning the plants helps manage their growth and maintains healthy roots.
5. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
Sorrel is a leafy green perennial with a tart, lemony flavor. It grows well in a variety of climates and prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Plant sorrel seeds or transplants in early spring, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
This hardy vegetable can be produced for several years with minimal care. Regular harvesting of young leaves promotes new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody. Sorrel is a versatile addition to salads, soups, and sauces, providing a unique flavor that complements many dishes.
6. Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)
Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are tuberous perennials related to sunflowers. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, growing up to 10 feet tall. Plant tubers in early spring, spacing them about two feet apart.
These hardy plants can be produced for many years with little maintenance. Harvest tubers in the fall after the foliage dies back, taking care to leave some in the ground for next year's growth. Jerusalem artichokes are a nutritious and versatile vegetable, rich in fiber and prebiotics.
7. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Lovage is a tall, leafy perennial with a flavor similar to celery. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant lovage seeds or transplants in early spring, spacing them about two feet apart to accommodate their large size.
Once established, lovage can thrive for several years with minimal care. Regularly harvesting leaves and stems encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody. Lovage is a versatile herb, used in soups, stews, and salads for its aromatic and flavorful leaves.
8. Egyptian Walking Onion (Allium × proliferum)
Egyptian walking onions are a unique perennial that produces small bulbils at the top of their stalks. These bulbils can be planted to produce new plants, making them a self-propagating vegetable. They grow well in most soils and prefer full sun.
Plant bulbils or sets in the fall or early spring, spacing them about six inches apart. Egyptian walking onions are hardy and require little maintenance, producing edible greens and bulbs year-round. Harvest greens as needed, and bulbs in the fall, replanting some for continuous growth.
9. Sea Kale (Crambe maritima)
Sea kale is a coastal perennial with tender shoots and leaves that are edible. It grows best in well-drained soil and full sun, with some protection from harsh winds. Plant sea kale crowns or seeds in early spring, spacing them about three feet apart.
This hardy vegetable can be produced for many years with minimal care. Blanching young shoots by covering them with a pot or other container enhances their tenderness and flavor. Sea kale is a versatile addition to the garden, providing a unique vegetable with a mild, nutty taste.
10. Good King Henry (Blitum bonus-henricus)
Good King Henry, also known as poor man's asparagus, is a perennial green that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant seeds or transplants in early spring, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
This hardy plant can be produced for many years with minimal care. Regular harvesting of young shoots and leaves encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody. Good King Henry is a nutritious addition to the garden, providing edible leaves and shoots rich in vitamins and minerals.
11. Perennial Leek (Allium ampeloprasum)
Perennial leeks, also known as Babington leeks, are a hardy allium that produces edible bulbs and leaves. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant bulbils or transplants in early spring, spacing them about six inches apart.
Once established, perennial leeks can be produced for many years with minimal care. Regular harvesting of leaves and bulbs encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too crowded. These leeks are a versatile addition to the garden, providing a mild onion flavor for soups, stews, and salads.
12. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
Watercress is a fast-growing perennial that thrives in aquatic or very moist environments. It prefers partial shade and can be grown in shallow water or damp soil. Plant seeds or transplants in early spring, spacing them about six inches apart.
This hardy vegetable can be produced year-round with minimal care. Regular harvesting of leaves and stems encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody. Watercress is a nutritious and versatile addition to the garden, providing a peppery flavor that complements salads, sandwiches, and soups.
13. Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are perennial flowers with edible buds, flowers, and tubers. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant tubers or transplants in early spring, spacing them about two feet apart.
Once established, daylilies can be produced for many years with minimal care. Regular harvesting of buds and flowers encourages new growth and prolongs the blooming season. Daylilies are a unique addition to the garden, providing both ornamental beauty and edible parts that can be used in a variety of dishes.
14. Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis)
Chinese artichokes, also known as crosnes, are tuberous perennials with a unique, nutty flavor. They grow best in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant tubers in early spring, spacing them about a foot apart.
These hardy plants can be produced for many years with minimal care. Harvest tubers in the fall after the foliage dies back, taking care to leave some in the ground for next year's growth. Chinese artichokes are a versatile addition to the garden, providing a unique and nutritious vegetable for soups, stews, and salads.
15. Groundnut (Apios americana)
Groundnuts are a perennial vine with edible tubers and beans. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant tubers or seeds in early spring, spacing them about a foot apart and providing a trellis or support for the vines.
Once established, groundnuts can be produced for many years with minimal care. Regular harvesting of tubers and beans encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody. Groundnuts are a nutritious and versatile addition to the garden, providing a unique and flavorful vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes.
16. Perennial Kale (Brassica oleracea var. ramosa)
Perennial kale, also known as tree collards, is a hardy brassica that produces edible leaves year-round. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant seeds or transplants in early spring, spacing them about two feet apart.
Once established, perennial kale can produce for many years with minimal care. Regular harvesting of leaves encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody. Perennial kale is a nutritious and versatile addition to the garden, providing a continuous supply of greens for salads, soups, and stews.
17. Bunching Onions (Allium fistulosum)
Bunching onions, also known as Welsh onions, are a perennial allium that produces edible bulbs and leaves. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant seeds or transplants in early spring, spacing them about six inches apart.
Once established, bunching onions can be produced for many years with minimal care. Regular harvesting of leaves and bulbs encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too crowded. Bunching onions are a versatile addition to the garden, providing a mild onion flavor for soups, stews, and salads.
18. Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)
Turk's cap is a perennial shrub with edible flowers and fruits. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant seeds or transplants in early spring, spacing them about three feet apart.
Once established, Turk's cap can be produced for many years with minimal care. Regular harvesting of flowers and fruits encourages new growth and prolongs the blooming season. Turk's cap is a unique addition to the garden, providing both ornamental beauty and edible parts that can be used in a variety of dishes.
19. Oca (Oxalis tuberosa)
Oca is a tuberous perennial with a tangy flavor, native to the Andes. It grows best in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant tubers in early spring, spacing them about a foot apart.
These hardy plants can be produced for many years with minimal care. Harvest tubers in the fall after the foliage dies back, taking care to leave some in the ground for next year's growth. Oca is a nutritious and versatile addition to the garden, providing a unique and flavorful vegetable for soups, stews, and salads.
20. Perennial Arugula (Diplotaxis tenuifolia)
Perennial arugula, also known as wild rocket, is a leafy green with a spicy flavor. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant seeds or transplants in early spring, spacing them about six inches apart.
Once established, perennial arugula can be produced for many years with minimal care. Regular harvesting of leaves encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody. A perennial arugula is a nutritious and versatile addition to the garden, providing a continuous supply of greens for salads, sandwiches, and pestos.
