Fast-growing plants are ideal for gardeners who want to see quick results. Whether you’re filling up garden spaces, adding greenery to your home, or looking for plants that grow quickly for seasonal displays, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get your fast-growing plants thriving. These plants are typically low-maintenance, highly adaptable, and perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners. With the right care, you can enjoy lush, full gardens or indoor spaces in no time.
Fast-Growing Plants & Guide
Fast-Growing Plants
Sunflowers
Sunflowers grow quickly, reaching up to 10 feet in a few months. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, providing vibrant blooms for gardens.
Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants, with some species growing up to 35 inches per day. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun.
Zinnias
Zinnias are fast-growing flowers that bloom in vibrant colors within 60 days. They prefer full sun, well-draining soil, and require minimal care.
Lettuce
Lettuce grows quickly, reaching harvest in 30-45 days. It thrives in cool weather, partial sun, and rich, moist soil, requiring consistent watering and proper spacing.
Radishes
Radishes are fast-growing vegetables, ready to harvest in just 20-30 days. They thrive in well-draining soil and require full sun for crisp roots.
Beans
Beans grow rapidly in 60-70 days, thriving in full sun and well-draining soil. They are ideal for vertical gardening and enriching soil with nitrogen.
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes grow quickly in warm weather, with harvests ready in 90 days. They thrive in full sun and slightly sandy, well-draining soil.
Morning Glories
Morning glories grow quickly and bloom in vibrant colors within 60-70 days. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, ideal for trellises or ground cover.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers grow rapidly, producing fruit in 50-70 days. They thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil and can be grown vertically or on the ground.
Peas
Peas are fast-growing cool-season crops, ready to harvest in 60-70 days. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, improving soil health as nitrogen fixers.
Marigolds
Marigolds bloom quickly, within 6-8 weeks, in bright, vibrant colors. They thrive in full sun, require minimal care, and are known for repelling pests naturally in gardens.
Kale
Kale grows rapidly and can be harvested in 50-60 days. It thrives in cool weather, partial sun, and is perfect for continuous harvests throughout the season.
Fast-Growing Guides
Soil Preparation Guide
Healthy soil is the foundation for fast-growing plants, ensuring they get the right nutrients, moisture, and aeration. Start by loosening the soil deeply with a garden fork or tiller to enhance aeration and root penetration. Mixing in rich compost, organic matter, or well-rotted manure significantly improves soil fertility and texture. Ensure that the soil has proper drainage by incorporating sand or perlite, especially in clay-heavy soils, to prevent waterlogging and root rot. It’s also essential to test the soil pH using a testing kit, ensuring it matches the specific requirements of the plants you intend to grow. A well-balanced pH allows for optimal nutrient absorption, leading to faster and healthier plant development.
Watering Techniques
Fast-growing plants demand consistent moisture levels but are also sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root diseases and fungal infections. Instead of shallow surface watering, opt for deep watering methods, such as a soaker hose or drip irrigation system, to ensure moisture reaches deep into the roots. Watering early in the morning is crucial to minimize evaporation and maximize absorption, keeping plants hydrated throughout the day. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Be mindful of seasonal changes; during hot summer months, plants may need more frequent watering, while cooler seasons may require less frequent but steady moisture levels.
Light & Temperature Management
Sunlight plays a vital role in plant growth, and most fast-growing plants require at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Positioning plants in sun-drenched areas maximizes their growth potential. In colder climates, extending the growing season is possible by using row covers, greenhouses, or cold frames to provide warmth and protect young plants from frost. Conversely, during intense summer heat, shade cloths or light-filtering nets can prevent overheating and sunburn, particularly for delicate seedlings. Pay attention to temperature fluctuations; sudden cold spells or heat waves can shock plants, slowing their growth. Ensuring stable temperature conditions allows plants to grow vigorously and reach maturity faster.
Fertilization Strategy
Since fast-growing plants have higher nutrient demands, maintaining a regular fertilization routine is crucial. A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10), which contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, promotes overall plant health. Organic fertilizers like compost tea, fish emulsion, bone meal, and worm castings provide slow-release nutrients, ensuring sustained growth. Fertilizers should be applied every 2–4 weeks depending on plant needs, but caution is required to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to weak, leggy growth and nutrient imbalances. Regular feeding ensures vigorous root development, lush foliage, and abundant flowering or fruit production. It’s also beneficial to rotate fertilizer types, incorporating both fast-acting liquid fertilizers and slow-release organic options for long-term soil enrichment.
Pruning & Maintenance
Regular pruning is essential to maintain plant health, direct growth, and improve airflow, reducing the risk of pest infestations and fungal diseases. Removing dead leaves, wilted flowers, and weak stems encourages plants to redirect their energy towards new growth, increased branching, and faster maturity. For climbing and vining plants, installing strong supports such as stakes, trellises, or cages helps them grow vertically without collapsing under their weight. Frequent inspections help identify early signs of nutrient deficiencies, pest attacks, or disease outbreaks, allowing for prompt intervention. Keeping the garden clean and well-maintained prevents competition for nutrients and minimizes stress, ensuring plants grow at their maximum potential.
Pest & Disease Control
Fast-growing plants are often susceptible to pest infestations and plant diseases due to their rapid development. Using natural pest control methods, such as companion planting with pest-repelling plants like marigolds, basil, and garlic, reduces the likelihood of insect damage. Regularly inspecting leaves for holes, discoloration, or unusual patterns helps detect problems early. Organic solutions such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, and diatomaceous earth are effective against common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. To prevent diseases, avoid overcrowding plants, as poor airflow can encourage the growth of fungal infections such as powdery mildew and root rot. Crop rotation also helps break the cycle of soil-borne pathogens, ensuring healthier plant growth year after year.