29 Amazing Perennial Vegetables to Try in Your Suburban Garden

perennial edible plants

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I love gardening and the idea of perennial vegetables excites me. These plants are special because you only need to plant them once. Then, you can harvest them for years1. In North America, this idea is not common, but it’s fascinating1.

While we know about asparagus, rhubarb, and artichokes, there’s more. There are many other tasty, easy-to-grow perennial vegetables. They offer a rich harvest all year round1.

Adding perennial vegetables to your garden is smart. They are more nutritious and easier to care for than annuals1. They need the same care as flowers and shrubs, with no need to till and replant every year1.

Key Takeaways:

  • Perennial vegetables are rare in North American gardens but offer many benefits.
  • They are more nutritious, easier to grow, and better for the environment than annuals.
  • They need little care, with no need to till and replant every year.
  • Perennial vegetables can provide food all year due to their different seasons of availability.
  • Adding them to your garden can improve soil health and attract beneficial insects.

What are Perennial Vegetables?

Perennial vegetables are a great choice for gardeners. They don’t need to be replanted every year like annuals do. Perennials come back year after year2, giving you a steady harvest for years2. They are also easy to care for, lasting several years or even decades2.

Benefits of Perennial Vegetables

Perennial vegetables have many advantages. They improve soil health by adding organic matter and preventing erosion2. They also save you time and money by not needing to prepare the soil or buy seeds every season2.

But, some perennials might not make it through harsh winters or summers2. Also, some need regular fertilizing and pest control to grow well2. And, most don’t produce food right away, taking three to five years2.

To overcome these issues, choose the right perennials for your climate2. Local garden experts and Master Gardener programs can help with this2.

There are many types of perennial vegetables. You might know asparagus2. But there are also sunchokes, Egyptian walking onion, and Chinese artichoke2. Even spinach varieties like Ceylon, Sissoo, or New Zealand are perennials2. And don’t forget perennial herbs like basil, chives, garlic, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme2.

Perennial vegetables are perfect for small gardens, offering a long harvest3. Traditional gardens focus on annuals, needing constant replanting and preservation3. Perennials are great for grazing gardens3, where you pick food right away.

Edible ornamental perennials like daylily, hosta, and stonecrop add beauty and food to your garden3. Nanking Cherry is a great fruit for edible landscapes, showing how to design with food-bearing plants3.

“Perennials help save time and money by eliminating the need to prepare the planting area or purchase seeds each growing season.”2

A Brief History of Perennial Crops

Perennial crops have a rich history that’s often forgotten today. They were key in traditional farming in many places4. Unlike the focus on annual crops now, perennials were vital.

Research shows perennials make up 94% of plants but only 13% of cropland. Grain crops, on the other hand, cover about 70% of cropland and most of our calories4. This shows how perennials were once overlooked, despite their benefits.

In the 1920s to 1950s, the former Soviet Union tried to make annual wheats perennial4. Though it didn’t work well, it showed the potential of perennial grains.

Today, the Land Institute is working on a perennial wheat called Kernza4. It needs less tilling and helps keep soil in place. This is a big step forward for perennials in farming.

Perennial crops have long been a success for Black and indigenous farmers5. They chose perennials for their soil benefits and less need for chemicals. This approach also boosts biodiversity4.

Looking ahead, perennials could help solve big problems like climate change and soil loss5. With more research and support, they could change farming for the better5.

“The Land Institute highlighted that perennial grain crops have potential in enhancing food and ecosystem security while reducing farming’s environmental impact.”4

Perennial Edible Plants for Your Garden

There are many perennial vegetables beyond the usual favorites like asparagus and rhubarb. Gardeners can choose from a variety of lesser-known and delicious options. These choices help create a bountiful and sustainable edible garden6.

Well-Known Perennial Vegetables

Berry bushes, asparagus, rhubarb, and artichokes are common perennial vegetables. Gardeners love them for their reliability and long-term productivity7. Asparagus, for instance, can produce spears for 10 years if harvested right8.

Rhubarb, with its bright pink stalks, can thrive for decades with little care7.

Lesser-Known but Delicious Perennial Vegetables

There are many tasty but lesser-known perennial vegetables. These include ramps, horseradish, lovage, and watercress. Also, bunching onions, daylilies, and good king henry are great options7.

Groundnut, Jerusalem artichokes, ostrich fern, and scarlet runner beans are also good choices. Sea kale and sorrel are perfect for a diverse garden7. Many of these plants grow well in various climates, from 3 to 98.

Adding these lesser-known veggies to your garden offers a diverse harvest all year. They require little care, making them ideal for a sustainable garden6. Whether you want to spice up your meals or create a low-effort garden, these plants are worth trying7.

Here’s a list of the most popular perennials to consider:

PlantGrowing SeasonSpecial CareClimate
AsparagusPlant in early springWait 2–3 years before first harvestCold to temperate
RhubarbBest planted in early springThrives with little care; grows best in cooler climatesCold to temperate
ArtichokesPrefers mild wintersRequires specific planting and harvesting timesMild winters
Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes)Plant tubers in springCan be invasive; manage growth spaceSuitable across North America
Ramps (Wild Leeks)Early springPrefers shaded, damp areasTemperate zones
HorseradishPlant in spring or fallCan spread aggressively; control growthCold to temperate
LovagePlant in early springMinimal care; tall plantCold to temperate
WatercressPlant in springPrefers aquatic or constantly damp conditionsCold to temperate
Bunching OnionsPlant anytime spring through fallEasy to grow and maintainAdaptable to most climates
Good King HenrySpringLikes rich, moist soilsCold climates preferred
Ostrich FernEarly springPrefers shaded, moist areasCold to temperate
Sea KalePlant in early springRequires well-drained soilCold to temperate
SorrelPlant in springEasy to grow; tolerates poor soilsCold to temperate
Garlic ChivesPlant in springThrives in well-drained soil; cut regularly to prevent floweringCold to temperate
Walking OnionsPlant in fallHardy and low-maintenance; self-propagatesCold to temperate
ComfreyPlant in springGrows quickly; great for compost and mulchCold to temperate
CardoonPlant in early springSimilar to artichokes; prefers mild wintersMild winters
Sweet PotatoesPlant in springNeeds warm soil; grown as annual in cooler areasWarm climates
ChicoryPlant in early springPrefers well-drained soil; tolerates droughtCold to temperate
Sorrel (Red Veined)Plant in springBeautiful edible leaves; tolerates poor soilCold to temperate
Egyptian Spinach (Molokhia)Plant in springThrives in hot climates; drought-resistantWarm climates
Perennial Kale (Daubenton’s)Plant in springTolerates poor soils; produces for yearsTemperate zones
Malabar SpinachPlant in springHeat-tolerant vine; prefers climbing structuresWarm climates
Tree CollardsPlant in springTall, long-lived plant; thrives in warm zonesWarm climates
New Zealand SpinachPlant in springHeat-tolerant and hardy; thrives in sandy soilWarm climates
Perennial LeeksPlant in springDivide regularly to maintain productionCold to temperate
Cranberry HibiscusPlant in springEdible leaves; striking burgundy colorWarm climates
TaroPlant in springPrefers wet soils; common in tropical gardensTropical to warm climates

Growing Perennial Edible Plants

Growing perennial vegetables needs special care. They take time to grow and may not produce well for years9. It’s important to plant them in a spot where they can grow over time. Unlike annuals, you can’t just rotate them to avoid pests and diseases9.

But, with the right care, they can thrive for years. They offer a steady harvest with less work9. You can grow many types of fruits, vegetables, and herbs like artichokes and chives9.

Some plants to consider are Egyptian walking onions and fig trees9. Sun chokes can grow fast, so they’re best in containers9. Horseradish is best harvested in the fall for making sauce9.

Rosemary varieties have different success rates, depending on where you live9. Swiss chard can live long, like kale and parsley9. Perennial plants are great for more than just eating them; they’re also good for making medicine and tea9.

Perennial plants help keep the soil healthy and reduce soil disturbance9. They improve soil health and make nutrients available for other plants9. Short perennial cover crops are best for Square Foot Gardening to avoid soil disruption9.

Asparagus can live for decades and starts producing shoots after three years10. Blueberries take three years to reach full productivity and need acidic soil10. Raspberries and blackberries need pruning to grow new canes each year10.

Horseradish thrives in most areas except warm winters, and its root is used for flavor10. Jerusalem artichokes grow in the U.S. but yield less in southern areas10. Rhubarb does best in colder climates and needs slightly acidic soil10. Strawberries come in different types and prefer slightly acidic soil10. Lovage is a tall herb with dark green leaves and is liked by gardeners everywhere10.

Perennial Vegetables in Permaculture

For gardeners looking to grow more, adding perennial vegetables to a permaculture design is smart11. In permaculture, plants are layered like in nature. This helps plants, soil, insects, and wildlife work together better11.

Creating these layered gardens takes time. Start with fruit trees and add perennial veggies and other plants over years11. This way, your garden becomes more perennial over time11.

Designing perennial vegetable guilds helps plants grow and soil stay fertile11. Using asparagus, rhubarb, and artichokes as a base is a good start. Adding climbing plants like grapevines and kiwi saves space and looks great11.

Food forests mimic natural forests by grouping plants by function and lifespan11. They include edible, medicinal, and ornamental plants, arranged to use space well11.

Spacing is key in food forests to keep pests away and ensure healthy growth11. Adding herbs like thyme and rosemary attracts good bugs and adds flavor to food11.

Perennial veggies are tough and grow well in cold and shade11. They offer a long-term food source, lasting for decades11.

Incorporating Perennial Edible Plants into Your Landscape

I love gardening and have found joy in adding perennial edible plants to my yard. These plants give us food year after year and make our outdoor spaces look better12.

To add perennial veggies, you can widen your garden beds and plant them around the edges12. Or, if you have a garden with flowers or shrubs, try adding plants like sea kale or sorrel12.

Perennial edibles are great for spots that are shady, wet, or cool. These areas are hard for annual crops to grow in12. By adding these plants, you can make your yard both beautiful and useful12.

Some plants that look good and taste great include Nasturtiums, Swiss chard, and Dinosaur kale13. You can also use herbs like Rosemary and Chives for their flavor and beauty13.

Adding perennial edible plants to your yard means you get a pretty space and fresh food12. Whether you’re new to gardening or have been doing it for years, trying perennial edibles can be exciting13.

perennial edibles

“Integrating perennial edibles into your landscape is like creating a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors that harmonize to delight the senses.”

So, why not explore the endless possibilities of perennial edible plants? Your yard, food, and enjoyment of nature will all benefit.

Drawbacks of Perennial Vegetables

Perennial vegetables have many benefits, like needing little care14 and improving soil14. But, they also have some downsides. For example, they take a long time to grow, similar to fruit trees14. Gardeners might have to wait years to harvest them.

Some perennial vegetables, like artichokes and asparagus, need specific times to plant and harvest15. For instance, asparagus crowns should be planted from January to March in Alameda County15. The first two springs after planting should be left unharvested15. This can be hard for some gardeners to follow.

Perennial vegetables also face pest and disease issues because of no crop rotation14. Once a disease or pest appears, it’s hard to get rid of, and the whole crop might need to be replaced14. Some, like horseradish, can spread and crowd out other plants if not controlled16.

Lastly, the taste of some perennial vegetables can change, becoming bitter or unpleasant after they flower14. This can be a problem for those who want to eat them regularly14.

Even with these challenges, perennial vegetables can be great for home gardens. They require extra effort for long-term care. By knowing the unique challenges, gardeners can choose the right varieties for their gardens.

Conclusion

Reflecting on perennial vegetables, I see how they can change our garden and food life. They offer benefits of growing perennial vegetables like less work and longer harvests. They also help our gardens and the environment.

By growing a variety of perennial vegetables, we make our gardens both productive and lovely. They give us tasty, healthy food for many years. These plants are great for any garden, big or small, helping us grow food without always starting over.

Exploring perennial vegetables, I’m amazed by their range and flexibility. We have old favorites like asparagus and strawberries, and new ones like Madagascan beans and chokos. The world of perennial vegetable gardening is vast and exciting17. I’m eager to learn more and hope you’ll join me in this adventure.

Source Links

  1. https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/20-perennial-vegetables – 20 Perennial Vegetables To Plant Once For Years Of Food
  2. https://www.thespruce.com/perennial-foods-1388677 – Edible Perennials That Will Bear Year After Year
  3. https://www.foodgardenlife.com/learn/edible-perennials – These Edible Perennials and Perennial Vegetables to Make a Delicious Edible Landscape — Food Garden Life: Edible Garden, Vegetable Garden, Edible Landscaping
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perennial_crop – Perennial crop
  5. https://www.farmbilllaw.org/2022/12/12/perennial-agriculture-an-old-new-way-of-farming/ – Perennial Agriculture: An Old New Way of Farming | Farm Bill Law Enterprise
  6. https://www.epicgardening.com/perennial-vegetables/ – 41 Perennial Vegetables to Grow by Hardiness Zone
  7. https://www.saveur.com/culture/perennial-vegetable-garden/ – For a Low-Effort, High-Reward Garden, Plant These Perennial Vegetables
  8. https://www.greenviewfertilizer.com/articles/perennial-vegetables-edibles-that-come-back-year-after-year – Perennial Vegetables: Edibles that Come Back Year After Year – GreenView
  9. https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t19261-edible-perennials-what-are-you-growing – Edible Perennials: what are you growing?
  10. https://www.gardentech.com/blog/gardening-and-healthy-living/garden-edibles-that-come-back-year-after-year – Which Perennial Garden Edibles Should I Plant?
  11. https://www.ecodesignhive.com/perennial-vegetables-for-food-forest/ – 100+ Perennial Vegetables, and how they can transform your garden into a lush food forest
  12. https://www.gardentech.com/blog/gardening-and-healthy-living/mixing-edible-and-ornamentals-in-your-landscape – How to Mix Ornamental and Edible Plants in Your Garden
  13. https://www.dianasdesignsaustin.com/2020/04/mix-colorful-garden-edibles-into-your-landscape/ – Mix colorful garden edibles into your landscape | Diana’s Designs Austin
  14. http://www.waldeneffect.org/blog/Pros_and_cons_of_perennial_vegetables/ – Pros and cons of perennial vegetables
  15. https://acmg.ucanr.edu/Over_the_Fence/Plant_Perennial_Vegetables_in_Winter/ – Perennial Vegetables – Winter Planting
  16. https://seedstl.org/edible-perennials-101/ – Edible Perennials: A 101 – Seed St. Louis
  17. https://selfsufficientme.com/grow-an-edible-perennial-garden-bed-easy-ornamental-delicious/ – Grow an Edible Perennial Garden Bed – Easy, Ornamental, & Delicious – Self Sufficient Me

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