12 Perennial Vegetables to Plant Once for Years of Bounty

Perennial vegetables are a great addition to any garden because they come back year after year, providing a continuous harvest without the need to replant. Here are 12 perennial vegetables that you can plant once and enjoy for years to come:

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis): Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can produce spears for many years once established.

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum): Rhubarb is a hardy perennial that produces edible stalks, often used in desserts and jams.

Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus): Artichokes are stunning plants that produce large edible flower buds. They can continue to produce for several years with proper care.

Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus): Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are tubers that can be harvested from the ground. They produce beautiful sunflower-like flowers.

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa): Sorrel is a leafy green perennial with a tart flavor, great for salads and soups.

Lovage (Levisticum officinale): Lovage is a herbaceous perennial with a taste reminiscent of celery. Its leaves and stems can be used in cooking. 

Egyptian Walking Onion (Allium × proliferum): This unique perennial onion produces small bulbs at the top of its stems, allowing it to “walk” and spread across the garden.

Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis): Chinese artichoke, also known as crosne, produces small, edible tubers and has a nutty flavor.

Perennial Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala): Unlike annual kale, some varieties of kale can be perennial, providing a constant supply of nutritious leaves.

Turkish Rocket (Bunias orientalis): Turkish rocket is a leafy green perennial vegetable with a flavor similar to arugula.

Sea Kale (Crambe maritima): Sea kale is a coastal plant that produces tender shoots, similar to asparagus, with a unique flavor.

Perennial Arugula (Diplotaxis tenuifolia): Perennial arugula is a spicier and more pungent version of the familiar annual arugula.

By incorporating these perennial vegetables into your garden, you can create a sustainable and low-maintenance food source that will reward you with fresh produce year after year. Keep in mind that the specific growing conditions and hardiness of these plants may vary based on your location, so it’s a good idea to research the best practices for your area. Happy gardening!