Fast-growing crops turn seed into cash in weeks. They fit succession planting schemes and keep cash flowing between slower harvests. Here are the top 10 fast-growing vegetables for quick profits, ranked by days to harvest and market appeal.

1. Radishes (21–30 Days)

• French breakfast and Easter egg varieties mature in 21–25 days
• Direct sow; no transplant needed
• Fit between slower crops or in dedicated patches
• Bundle for farmers market; chefs buy in bulk

2. Microgreens (7–14 Days)

• Pea shoots, sunflower, and radish microgreens harvest in 7–14 days
• Indoor growing; no outdoor space required
• Highest revenue per square foot of any crop
• See our microgreens guide for full setup

3. Baby Lettuce / Salad Mix (21–35 Days)

• Cut at baby stage for salad mix
• Cut-and-come-again for multiple harvests
• Plant every 2 weeks for continuous supply
• High demand at farmers markets

4. Spinach (28–40 Days)

• Cold-tolerant; plant early spring and fall
• Harvest outer leaves for extended picking
• Sells well as bunches or bulk
• Use square foot spacing for density

5. Arugula (21–40 Days)

• Spicy green; popular with chefs
• Cut-and-come-again harvest
• Plant in cool weather for best flavor
• Fetch premium prices per bunch

6. Bush Beans (45–60 Days)

• Faster than pole beans
• Multiple harvests over 2–3 weeks
• Plant in succession for summer-long supply
• Good filler in companion planting layouts

7. Turnips (35–55 Days)

• Harvest greens in 30 days; roots in 50–55
• Dual crop: greens and roots both sell
• Cold-hardy for fall planting
• Japanese varieties command premium prices

8. Cucumbers (50–70 Days)

• Pickling varieties mature faster than slicers
• Harvest frequently to extend production
• Trellis for space efficiency; see vertical gardening
• Strong demand in summer

9. Zucchini / Summer Squash (45–55 Days)

• Prolific; harvest every 2–3 days
• Pick small for higher prices
• One plant yields dozens of fruits
• Don’t overplant; a few plants go far

10. Green Onions / Scallions (50–70 Days)

• Harvest when tops reach 6–8 inches
• Regrow from roots for second harvest
• Bundle for market
• Restaurant staple; steady demand

Vegetable	Days to Harvest	Harvests per Season	Market Price (est.)
Microgreens	7–14	20+	$15–40/lb
Radishes	21–30	4–8	$2–4/bunch
Baby lettuce	21–35	6–12	$6–12/lb
Spinach	28–40	3–6	$4–8/bunch
Arugula	21–40	4–8	$4–6/bunch
Bush beans	45–60	4–8	$3–5/lb
Turnips	35–55	1–2	$2–4/bunch
Cucumbers	50–70	10–20	$2–4/lb
Zucchini	45–55	15–30	$2–3/lb
Green onions	50–70	2–4	$2–3/bunch

Combining Fast Crops with Slower Ones

Plant radishes between tomato rows. Harvest radishes before tomatoes need the space. Follow lettuce with beans. Use the seasonal calendar and year-round schedule to layer fast and slow crops. Check best crops for small backyards for the full profit picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest vegetable to grow?

Microgreens harvest in 7–14 days. For outdoor crops, radishes and baby lettuce are fastest at 21–35 days.

Can I make money from fast-growing vegetables?

Yes. Radishes, lettuce, microgreens, and arugula sell well. Use succession planting to keep harvests continuous. Pair with high-value items for best returns.

How do I succession plant fast crops?

Plant a new batch every 2–3 weeks. For radishes and lettuce, start a new row or section as you harvest the previous one. Stagger planting dates across the season.

What fast crops grow in winter?

Microgreens grow indoors year-round. In mild climates with protection, spinach, arugula, and some lettuce varieties grow in cold frames through winter.