Think it’s too late to plant a fall garden? Good news — you still have time. Even with the first frost approaching, there are plenty of quick-growing fall crops that mature fast, thrive in cool temperatures, and deliver a rewarding harvest before winter arrives.
In this guide, you’ll discover the fastest fall crops to grow when you’re short on time — perfect for busy gardeners, late starters, or small-space growing.
Why Quick Fall Crops Are Worth Planting
Fall gardening doesn’t require a huge time investment. In fact, many cold-season vegetables:
- Mature in 30–50 days
- Tolerate frost or cold snaps
- Taste better in cooler weather
- Grow well in containers or raised beds
- Require minimal pest control
If you’re short on time — or just starting late — these crops are your best bet.
Fast Fall Crops You Can Still Plant
Here are the most reliable, fast-growing fall vegetables — all ready to harvest in under 60 days (some in as little as 3 weeks).
🥬 Radishes
Days to harvest: 20–30
Why they’re great: Radishes are the fastest-growing root crop and thrive in cool weather. Perfect for filling gaps in beds or growing in containers.
Quick Tip: Sow every 7–10 days for continuous harvests.
🥗 Arugula
Days to harvest: 20–30
Why they’re great: Arugula grows quickly and delivers a peppery punch to salads. Cold-hardy and ideal for fall.
Quick Tip: Harvest young for the best flavor and texture.
🥬 Baby Spinach
Days to harvest: 30–40
Why they’re great: Spinach loves chilly temperatures and becomes sweeter after a light frost. Baby leaves are ready fast.
Quick Tip: Cut outer leaves and allow the plant to regrow.
🥬 Lettuce (Loose-Leaf Varieties)
Days to harvest: 30–45
Why they’re great: Grows quickly and bolts less in fall. Loose-leaf types like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ thrive in cool temps.
Quick Tip: Sow densely and harvest as baby greens if time is tight.
🌿 Mustard Greens
Days to harvest: 30–40
Why they’re great: A spicy, fast-growing green that adds flavor and color to your garden and meals.
Quick Tip: Harvest young for tender, less pungent leaves.
🌱 Turnip Greens
Days to harvest: 30–35 (for greens)
Why they’re great: Grown not for the root, but for fast, nutritious leafy tops.
Quick Tip: Sow thickly and harvest entire plants young.
🧅 Green Onions (Scallions)
Days to harvest: 40–50
Why they’re great: Grow quickly, take up very little space, and thrive in cool soil. Perfect for raised beds or containers.
Quick Tip: Can regrow from kitchen scraps or bulb ends.
🌿 Pak Choi (Baby Bok Choy)
Days to harvest: 30–45
Why they’re great: Quick, compact, and excellent for fall stir-fries. Dwarf varieties are fastest.
Quick Tip: Harvest when heads are small and tender.
🌿 Mizuna
Days to harvest: 25–40
Why they’re great: A mild Asian green that grows rapidly and tolerates light frost. Great in salads or sautés.
Quick Tip: Cut-and-come-again harvest works well.
🌱 Microgreens
Days to harvest: 7–14
Why they’re great: The fastest edible crop, grown indoors or out. Great for windowsills, trays, or shallow containers.
Quick Tip: Use seed mixes for variety. No garden space needed.
Fastest Fall Crops at a Glance
| Crop | Days to Harvest | Cold Tolerance | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radishes | 20–30 | High | Beds, containers |
| Arugula | 20–30 | High | Raised beds, window boxes |
| Spinach (baby) | 30–40 | Very High | Containers, rows |
| Loose-Leaf Lettuce | 30–45 | Moderate–High | Any garden space |
| Mustard Greens | 30–40 | High | Small spaces, containers |
| Turnip Greens | 30–35 | High | Quick greens |
| Green Onions | 40–50 | Moderate | Pots, trays, reuse bulbs |
| Baby Pak Choi | 30–45 | Moderate–High | Stir-fry gardens |
| Mizuna | 25–40 | High | Fast, leafy greens |
| Microgreens | 7–14 | N/A (indoors OK) | Instant harvests |
Where to Grow Fast Crops in Fall
Don’t have much space? No problem. Most of these crops grow well in:
- Raised beds
- Grow bags
- Window boxes
- Reused plastic tubs with drainage holes
- Shallow trays (for microgreens)
Make sure to place containers where they get 4–6 hours of sun, especially as fall days grow shorter.
Pro Tips to Maximize Speed and Yield
✅ Start with fresh seeds — older seeds germinate slower or unevenly
✅ Keep soil consistently moist — fast crops need steady moisture
✅ Use lightweight row covers — protect from pests and extend warmth
✅ Harvest young — younger greens are faster and more tender
✅ Sow in succession — plant every 7–10 days for ongoing harvests
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Planting too late — check frost date and count backwards
❌ Not enough sun — even cool-weather crops need light
❌ Crowding seeds — thin seedlings to avoid stunted growth
❌ Overwatering in cool temps — leads to rot and fungus
❌ Ignoring fertilization — fast crops still need light feeding every 2 weeks
FAQs
Can I grow these fast crops indoors?
Yes! Spinach, lettuce, microgreens, and green onions grow well near sunny windows or under grow lights.
What’s the absolute fastest crop to grow in fall?
Microgreens — ready in 7–14 days. Followed by radishes and arugula.
Is it worth planting late in the season?
Absolutely. As long as you choose fast-maturing, cold-tolerant crops, you can still enjoy a decent harvest before winter.
How can I protect crops from an early frost?
Use row covers, plastic tunnels, or cloches to extend your season by a few weeks.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a full growing season — or even a lot of time — to enjoy a productive fall garden. With the right crops, smart timing, and a little planning, you can squeeze in one last round of fresh, homegrown produce before winter arrives.
Fast fall crops like radishes, arugula, spinach, and microgreens are your go-to choices when you’re running out of time — but not out of growing spirit.