Perennial vegetables offer a fantastic opportunity for gardeners who want to enjoy the benefits of home-grown produce with minimal effort over time. By choosing the right varieties, gardeners can plant these vegetables once and continue to harvest them for years. This guide explores some of the best perennial vegetables, offering insights into their cultivation, maintenance, and the advantages they bring to a sustainable garden.
1. Asparagus: A Garden Classic
Asparagus is one of the most rewarding perennials, with a lifespan ranging from 15 to 30 years. Suitable for a wide range of climates (from Zone 2 up to the tropics), asparagus can provide abundant harvests once it is established. However, patience is key. The plant takes about three years to mature, and during the first couple of years, it's important to allow the spears to grow into ferns to build up energy reserves.
To grow asparagus, start from crowns, seeds, or seedlings. It may be tempting to harvest early spears in the initial years, but doing so can weaken the plant. By year three, the plant will begin producing a bountiful crop, ensuring you’ll have an ongoing supply of fresh asparagus.
2. Rhubarb: The Pie Plant
Rhubarb, commonly referred to as the “pie plant” due to its popularity in desserts like strawberry rhubarb pie, is another fantastic perennial vegetable. Traditionally grown in cold climates, the variety ‘Victoria’ has proven to be heat-tolerant, making it suitable for a wider range of regions. This variety has green stalks rather than the classic deep red, but the flavor remains delicious.
Rhubarb can live up to 10 years, but it dislikes extreme heat. It is advisable to plant it in a shaded spot, perhaps behind fruit trees or other taller plants, to protect it from intense sun. When harvesting, gently pull the stalks to the side at the base instead of using a knife. The leaves should be discarded, as they contain oxalic acid, which is toxic if ingested.
3. Tree Collards: The Hardy Leafy Green
Tree collards, also known as tree kale or walking stick kale, can thrive for up to 10 years. This perennial produces abundant leaves similar to kale, and they taste best when harvested in cooler seasons like winter or spring. While summer leaves can be bitter, the cooler temperatures make the leaves sweeter and more tender.
Propagation is mainly done through cuttings, as these plants rarely produce seeds. Simply cut a tender stem and plant it in moist soil, and it will root and grow. Tree collards are low-maintenance and highly productive, providing plenty of greens for soups, salads, or other dishes.
4. Artichoke: A Multipurpose Perennial
Artichokes are a great option for gardeners in warmer climates, as they produce multiple harvests per year—typically in spring and fall. They propagate themselves by sending out offshoots, making them a reliable perennial. Artichokes can be planted from transplants, seeds, or seedlings, and once established, they require minimal care.
During their dormant period in winter, artichoke beds can be used to plant annual flowers or other decorative plants, maximizing space and aesthetics in the garden. When spring arrives, the artichoke patch will burst into life, producing its signature edible buds.
5. Scarlet Runner Beans: A Surprising Perennial
Scarlet runner beans are one of the few beans that can be grown as a perennial, particularly in colder climates and higher altitudes. Originating from South America, these beans produce a tuber that allows the plant to regrow each year. When temperatures drop, the plant dies back to the ground, but the tuber remains viable underground.
However, in very wet regions, these tubers may rot, preventing perennial growth. In drier areas, such as parts of California, scarlet runner beans may persist year after year, providing a colorful and productive addition to any garden.
6. Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke): The Underrated Tuber
Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are tuber-producing perennials related to sunflowers. Despite their name, they are neither from Jerusalem nor related to artichokes. These plants thrive in North America and can spread rapidly if planted in loose soil. To manage their growth, it is best to plant them in raised beds or containers.
Sunchokes can be harvested by digging up their tubers, which can be eaten in various ways, such as sliced and fried like potato chips or roasted whole. This low-maintenance plant is both ornamental and edible, making it a great addition to any garden.
Conclusion
Perennial vegetables are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh produce with less effort over time. By planting the right varieties, gardeners can establish a garden that produces for many years, reducing the need for replanting and maximizing harvests. Whether it's asparagus, rhubarb, tree collards, artichokes, scarlet runner beans, or Jerusalem artichokes, these perennial options offer diversity and sustainability for gardens of all sizes.
