15 Edible Perennials to plant in your Garden

Are you looking to fill your garden with plants that not only come back year after year but also provide you with delicious food? Edible perennials are a fantastic choice for any gardener who wants to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce without the need to replant each season. From nutrient-packed greens to flavorful fruits, these hardy plants can transform your garden into a sustainable, low-maintenance source of food.

Edible Perennials to plant in your Garden

Let’s dive into the best edible perennials to plant and how they can keep your garden thriving!

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1. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a garden favorite, known for its vibrant red stalks that add a pop of color and flavor to desserts and preserves. This perennial thrives in cooler climates and, once established, can produce for up to 20 years with minimal effort. Rhubarb’s tartness pairs beautifully with strawberries, making it a summer pie staple. Plus, its low-maintenance nature makes it perfect for gardeners looking for a plant that returns year after year without needing much attention. Just remember to steer clear of the leaves, as they contain oxalic acid, which is toxic!

2. Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the most rewarding perennial vegetables you can grow in your garden. While it requires patience, as it takes a couple of years to become harvest-ready, it rewards you with tender, delicious spears every spring for up to 20 years! Asparagus thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, and once established, it’s an incredibly hardy plant. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, fresh asparagus from your garden will elevate any dish, from simple sautés to gourmet meals.

3. Jerusalem Artichoke

Also known as sunchokes, Jerusalem artichokes are a root vegetable that offers a unique nutty flavor, similar to water chestnuts. This perennial thrives in various soils and can spread rapidly, so it’s perfect for those wanting a hardy crop with minimal maintenance. The tubers are packed with inulin, a prebiotic that supports gut health, making this a great choice for health-conscious gardeners. Just make sure to give them plenty of space, as their tall sunflowers will dominate any garden bed.

4. Horseradish

For a bold flavor punch, horseradish is a must-have perennial in your garden. The spicy root adds a sharp, tangy kick to sauces, meats, and sandwiches, making it a beloved condiment for those who enjoy intense flavors. Horseradish is incredibly hardy and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, often thriving where other plants may struggle. Just be mindful of its spreading tendencies, as it can become invasive if not kept in check. A little horseradish goes a long way in any meal!

5. Globe Artichoke

Globe artichokes are a stunning and versatile addition to any garden, offering both beauty and delicious harvests. Their large, spiky leaves make for an ornamental look, while their flower buds are the edible part, prized for their tender, nutty flavor. Growing artichokes does require some space and sunlight, but once established, they can continue producing for several years. They are a springtime treat, perfect for steaming or grilling and paired with lemon butter for a simple, yet elegant side dish.

6. Chives

Chives are a small, but mighty perennial herb that add a mild onion flavor to countless dishes. Their thin, green stalks grow in clumps and can be harvested repeatedly throughout the growing season. Chives are perfect for gardeners with limited space, as they grow well in containers and small garden beds. They also produce beautiful purple flowers, which are edible and make a lovely garnish. With their delicate flavor, chives are a fantastic addition to salads, soups, and omelets, bringing a subtle freshness to every bite.

7. Lovage

Often compared to celery, lovage offers a stronger, more intense flavor that can elevate soups, stews, and broths. This tall, leafy herb grows quickly and can last for years in your garden, producing large amounts of leaves, stems, and seeds, all of which are edible. Lovage is a great addition for those who love bold flavors and want an easy-to-grow herb that can also attract pollinators. Plus, it’s known for its medicinal properties, traditionally used to aid digestion and as a diuretic.

8. Sorrel

Sorrel is a leafy green that brings a lemony, tangy flavor to your garden. This perennial is a great addition to salads, soups, and sauces, offering a refreshing taste that’s perfect for spring and summer dishes. Sorrel thrives in cooler climates and is incredibly low maintenance, making it ideal for beginner gardeners. It’s also packed with vitamin C and iron, making it as nutritious as it is tasty. Sorrel’s quick growth means you’ll have fresh greens to harvest year after year.

9. Watercress

If you’re looking for a nutrient-packed green that grows perennially, watercress is a top choice. This peppery green thrives in moist soil and can even grow in partially shaded areas, making it a versatile addition to your garden. Watercress is incredibly rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin K, and its fresh, crisp taste adds a bold punch to salads and sandwiches. With regular harvesting, watercress will continue to produce an abundance of leaves, making it an excellent plant for a healthy, sustainable garden.

10. Ostrich Fern (Fiddleheads)

Ostrich fern is a unique edible perennial known for its early spring shoots, commonly referred to as fiddleheads. These tender, curled fronds are a delicacy, enjoyed for their earthy, asparagus-like flavor. Fiddleheads are best sautéed or steamed and are packed with antioxidants and fiber. While they do require moist, shady areas to thrive, once established, they’ll return year after year. If you’re looking to add a unique and foraged feel to your garden, ostrich ferns are a perfect choice.

11. Good King Henry

Good King Henry is an ancient, perennial vegetable that has fallen out of favor in recent times but is making a comeback in sustainable gardens. The plant offers both spinach-like leaves and asparagus-like shoots, making it a versatile addition to any garden. Good King Henry thrives in rich, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. It’s also incredibly hardy, returning year after year with little care. With its nutrient-dense leaves, this perennial is a great choice for adding a bit of history and nutrition to your meals.

12. Walking Onions

Walking onions, also known as Egyptian onions, are a quirky and fascinating addition to your garden. Unlike traditional onions, they produce small bulbs at the top of their stalks, which eventually fall over and plant themselves, thus “walking” across your garden. The bulbs and greens are edible, with a flavor similar to shallots. Walking onions are incredibly low-maintenance and cold-hardy, perfect for gardeners looking for a reliable, perennial allium that practically grows itself. They’re great for soups, stir-fries, or even as a fresh onion substitute in salads.

13. Comfrey

Comfrey is a powerhouse perennial that serves multiple functions in your garden. While not typically eaten raw, its leaves are often used in teas, ointments, or as a natural fertilizer. Comfrey is known for its deep roots, which mine nutrients from the soil, improving its overall fertility. This makes it an excellent companion plant for vegetables and fruits. When used in compost or as a mulch, comfrey adds essential nutrients back into the soil. It’s a gardener’s friend, offering medicinal, edible, and practical benefits.

14. Alpine Strawberries

Alpine strawberries are a charming addition to any garden, producing small, intensely sweet berries throughout the growing season. Unlike traditional strawberries, these plants are perennials that don’t require replanting each year. They thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil, making them perfect for a variety of garden conditions. Alpine strawberries are low-maintenance and offer a more delicate, refined flavor compared to their larger counterparts. They’re a delightful treat straight from the garden or a unique addition to desserts and salads.

15. Sea Kale

Sea kale is a perennial vegetable that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Its large, blue-green leaves resemble ornamental cabbage, but it’s the tender shoots and leaves that are prized for their mild, nutty flavor. Sea kale is incredibly hardy, tolerating poor soils and salty air, making it a great choice for coastal gardens. It’s a versatile plant that can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Once established, sea kale will produce for years, offering a unique and nutrient-rich addition to your edible landscape.

Conclusion

Edible perennials are the perfect investment for any gardener seeking a sustainable, long-term source of fresh food. With minimal maintenance, these plants return year after year, providing you with a bountiful harvest that nourishes both your body and your garden. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of flavor with rhubarb or asparagus, or enrich your meals with herbs like chives and lovage, edible perennials are a rewarding and practical choice.

By incorporating these hardy plants into your garden, you’re not just growing food—you’re cultivating a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem that keeps giving season after season. So, get planting and enjoy the delicious rewards for years to come!