Aquaponics is a modern farming system where crops are grown (in a soil-less environment) together with fish. This method enables easy and quick production of high-quality food for domestic and commercial use. Although you can grow numerous crops, some aquaponics crops are more profitable than others.
Below are the 27 most profitable aquaponics crops you can grow on a small or large scale.
- Kale
- Spinach
- Sage
- Basil
- Lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Cucumbers
- Parsley
- Peppers
- Rosemary
- Okra
- Watercress
- Radishes
- Ginger
- Zucchini
- Carrots
- Eggplants
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Strawberries
- Snow peas
- Cabbages
- Onions
- Sweet corn
- Mint
- Dill
Let’s take a closer look at these 27 most profitable aquaponics crops so that you can create a garden with high production and significant financial yields.
1. Kale
Leafy crops do well in aquaponics gardens, and one of the best big-foliage crops you can grow is kale. Kale is one of the world’s superfoods because it is rich in nutrients, has low calories, and people also use it for detoxing. Kale is easy to grow using aquaponics, grows in large quantities, and you can harvest it many times without replanting it.
Kale takes about six weeks to harvest when you grow it using the aquaponics method. In addition, it is one of those crops that you harvest partially, and it’s ready to harvest again within a few weeks. The demand for kale is high throughout the year, and the total profit is reasonable, making it one of the most desirable aquaponics crops.
2. Spinach
Spinach is among the best and most profitable crops you can grow in your aquaponics garden. Spinach grows super fast in this system, and you can start harvesting the leaves within 3 to 6 weeks after planting the seedlings. The crop is usually healthy and beautiful, and you can gather bits of it throughout the year.
Spinach is one of the world’s superfoods because its leaves are rich in nutrients. Those who eat spinach consider it to be beneficial for well-being and health. Therefore, it is always in great demand as people consume it fresh, in salads, smoothies, various dishes, juice, and more. It is also frozen, canned, and pureed for baby food.
3. Sage
Some herbs also do well in aquaponic gardens, and sage is one of them.
Sage is one of the best herbs to grow in aquaponics gardens. It is popular due to its earthy flavor and unique, pleasant aroma when added to food. This grayish-green semi slow-growing crop is ideal for growing in more extensive aquaponics gardens to maximize production.
You can harvest sage for 5 to 10 years after the first harvest, thus ensuring income throughout the year. Sage is a specialty crop, and the demand is very high worldwide. People use it as a herb, incense, or make various dishes. Sage is one of the most profitable aquaponics crops because it multiplies on its own and fetches reasonable prices.
4. Basil
Basil is one of the most profitable, high-value aquaponics crops because it grows fast, and you can harvest it within 25 to 30 days. It keeps on growing so long as you don’t pluck off all the leaves. So, you can gather it throughout the year, even in the cold months when outdoor basil is unavailable.
In addition, basil is in great demand worldwide. People use it to add flavor to many different recipes, including pizza, pasta, pestos, soups, and salads. Other people use basil to make all types of oral and topical medications. Therefore, the demand for basil outweighs the supply, and it can thus give you good profits.
5. Lettuce
Another highly profitable aquaponics crop is lettuce because it grows fast and isn’t very demanding. Lettuce takes about 60 days when you grow it outdoors, but it can grow twice as fast when using the aquaponics method. As a result, you can harvest high-quality lettuce many times throughout the year, thus increasing your profits.
The demand for lettuce is unbelievable because people use it for making all kinds of recipes, including soups, salads, and juices. You can also braise or grill lettuce or mix it with other vegetables to stir fry. The low maintenance, consistent demand, and short growing cycle make lettuce one of the most profitable aquaponics crops.
6. Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes grow twice as fast when grown using aquaponics as when you grow them in the garden. These water-loving fruits are usually ready to harvest within eight weeks, yielding numerous fruits per vine. So, you can be sure of a bumper harvest with these tiny tomatoes. Additionally, you can harvest them repeatedly as they ripen very fast.
You can hardly go wrong with cherry tomatoes. They are some of the best and most profitable aquaponics crops. They are in great demand all year round as they are eaten raw, added to salads, or canned. Since cherry tomatoes are versatile, sweet, and flavorful, the prices are higher than ordinary tomatoes– which ultimately means more money for you.
7. Mushrooms
Nowadays, many people worldwide are obsessed with mushrooms because they are rich in nutrients and contain adaptogens, which offer many health benefits. Mushrooms are some of the most profitable aquaponics crops because they thrive in small spaces, take a short time to grow, and the demand is always high.
Mushroom dishes are popular in homes and restaurants all over the world. Vegetarians also love them because they have a meaty texture and taste. The price of mushrooms is continually rising because the demand is greater than the supply, so you are sure to sell your produce all year round.
8. Cucumbers
Cucumbers do incredibly well when you grow them in aquaponics because this farming method has many nitrates, which cucumbers love. They mature so fast that you can harvest them within 55 to 60 days after planting. The production is high, with one plant producing about 25 healthy and beautiful cucumbers.
There is a massive demand for cucumbers because of their high nutritional value and low calories. They are refreshing and hydrating and have a crisp and mild taste. People also love them because they can eat them raw or use them in soups, salads, and smoothies. Cucumbers are thus some of the most profitable aquaponics crops.
9. Parsley
Parsley is another great herb to grow using the aquaponics system. It grows easily and quickly because it is one of those plants that don’t demand a lot of nutrients. It is also among the most profitable aquaponics crops because its production is relatively high– they are usually ready to harvest within 5 to 6 weeks.
Today, people have discovered other uses for parsley apart from garnishing. Most use it fresh or dried in salads, soups, and stews. It is also a popular herb loaded with antioxidants and other health benefits. Parsley has a high market value because the demand is exceptionally high, and it can therefore give you good returns.
10. Peppers
You can grow different peppers using the aquaponics system, but the sweet bell pepper does exceedingly well. They are pretty easy to maintain and grow, and they mature within 60 to 90 days after planting the seedlings. Each pepper plant can yield approximately 20 to 38 fruits, depending on the pepper you choose to grow.
Pepper is among the world’s most popular veggies, and they are often eaten raw, stuffed to make a decadent dish, or added to sauces for a signature taste. So, the demand for peppers is very high all year round. The prices are pretty good, making it one of the most profitable aquaponics crops to grow in a small or large garden.
11. Rosemary
Rosemary is another herb in great demand worldwide because of its medicinal and culinary uses.
Rosemary is one of the easiest crops to grow using an aquaponics system because it does not require much care or maintenance. It grows fast and is usually ready to harvest 6 to 8 weeks after transplanting the seedlings, and it’s an evergreen, so it won’t die, even if it gets cold.
You can sell your rosemary fresh to neighbors, grocery stores, or restaurants. You could also dry it, put it in airtight containers and sell it. This herb is one of the most profitable aquaponics crops because it fetches reasonable prices in the market and yields more as the plant grows older.
12. Okra
Okra grows quite fast in an aquaponics garden, and it only takes about 7 to 9 weeks to harvest after planting the seedlings. The plant has high yields when you grow it in an aquaponic garden, as each plant produces approximately ten fruits. You can reap the fruits many times after the first harvest, making this a multi-season producer.
Okra is a versatile crop that people cook in different ways, for example, adding it in salads and soups or frying it up for a crunchy snack. People also grind the seeds of this versatile crop to make beverages. Okra is one of the most profitable aquaponics crops because it has huge demand and competitive market prices.
13. Watercress
Watercress grows very quickly and easily in aquaponic gardens because it loves water. It is also the kind of plant that regrows soon after harvesting, so you can harvest it numerous times. This plant is nutrition-packed, and people use it in their culinary dishes and as a herb.
Watercress is a high-quality, leafy green plant, and its price in the market is quite good. It moves very fast because it is in great demand and low supply.
14. Radishes
The demand for radishes has grown more and more as people discover this unique vegetable. Radishes grow quickly in aquaponic gardens because you can simply sprinkle the seeds in the substrate to germinate them– no transplanting is necessary! Radishes take approximately 45 to 75 days to harvest if you care for them well.
When you grow radishes using aquaponics, they yield twice as much as when grown in the usual way. There is a growing demand for radishes because people can eat them raw, pickled, or roasted, and they can also use them in soups, salads, and other dishes.
In addition, radishes are high-value crops, and all these things make them some of the most profitable veggies to grow.
15. Ginger
Ginger does well in aquaponics gardens, and it takes about 10 to 11 months to harvest.
Interestingly, the consumption of ginger has shot up since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased demand is because some people believe that ginger has nutrients that help to keep the disease at bay.
People also use ginger to enhance the flavor of their dishes and drinks and take it as a nutritional supplement. Ginger is, therefore, one of the most profitable aquaponics crops today.
Now is the best time to plant ginger in your aquaponics garden because the demand is very high, and thus the price is high.
16. Zucchini
Zucchini is one of the most popular vegetables worldwide due to its culinary versatility. People eat it raw or add it to salads, tacos, soups, cakes, and sauces worldwide.
It is a great crop to grow in aquaponics because it matures fast, and you can therefore plant it three to four times a year. The yield is also relatively high, with each plant producing about 15 to 20 squash.
The demand for zucchini is very high because individuals, hotels, grocery stores, and restaurants buy it in large quantities both in season and out of season. The price of zucchini is quite good because of the high demand, and with the ease of growing, it’s the ideal plant to turn a profit!
17. Carrots
Carrots are versatile because you can eat them raw, juice them, and use them in salads and stews. Although it is not as easy to grow carrots in an aquaponics garden compared to other crops, many farmers have done it successfully. You can have a bumper harvest within 2 to 3 months if you do it right.
There is a vast market for carrots because the demand is very high. Many people eat them raw, use them in salads, baking, and juicing. Carrots also grow faster in water than when planted in ordinary soil, and they fetch reasonable prices in the market.
18. Eggplants
Eggplants are highly sought because of their high nutritional value and also because they are ingredients for different dishes such as appetizers, curries, pizzas, and more. Eggplants are great for growing in an aquaponics garden because you can harvest them within three months after planting, and the yield is relatively high.
Since eggplants have an extensive root system, it is best to plant them in a medium bed aquaponics system to support their roots. The demand for eggplants is ever-growing as people discover this versatile crop. They are profitable aquaponics crops because they move fast, and the prices are pretty reasonable.
19. Broccoli
Although broccoli has a somewhat bland taste, it is one of the most popular vegetables globally and was awarded the title of America’s favorite vegetable in 2021. The popularity of broccoli and its high consumption is because of the health benefits associated with the crop.
It does well in an aquaponics garden when grown in a media bed.
Broccoli takes about 2 to 3 months to harvest after planting. Although growing broccoli needs some extra work, especially during harvest, the prices are reasonable because of the high demand.
20. Cauliflower
Cauliflower thrives in an aquaponics garden because it loves water and requires little maintenance. Cauliflower grows to be quite large when in an aquaponics system, and it matures pretty fast– it takes about 12 weeks to harvest. Since it is a heavy plant, it is best to plant it in a media bed to support the roots.
There is a tremendous demand for cauliflower nowadays. For instance, in 2020, new dietary trends in the US increased the demand for cauliflower, and the country had to start importing it from other countries. So, the need for cauliflower is very high, and the prices are reasonable, making it a profitable aquaponics crop.
21. Strawberries
Strawberries are some of the best fruits to grow using the aquaponics system because they grow and multiply quickly.
In addition, the strawberries are sweeter, juicier, and taste better than ever when they have plenty of water. Although they take about two years to grow, you can harvest them throughout the year when they finally mature.
If you want to make profits from aquaponics strawberries, you should plant as many plants as possible for a high yield. People love strawberries, and the demand is high, especially when they are out of season. They are also some of the highest-priced fruits today, and you will therefore get good profits.
22. Snow Peas
Although you can grow all kinds of peas in aquaponics gardens, snow peas are the best and the easiest to grow. Snow peas mature quickly in aquaponics systems because you harvest them before the peas develop fully in the pod. They are usually ready for harvesting 6 to 8 weeks after transplanting.
Each snow pea seedling yields plenty of healthy pods. You are thus assured of a bumper harvest all year round.
Snow peas are popular vegetables that are eaten whole. People use them to prepare delicious and healthy dishes, including stir-fries, salads, crepes, and fried snacks. They are packed with nutrients and are usually high-priced vegetables with high demand, so you’re guaranteed a profit with peas.
23. Cabbages
Cabbage is easy to grow in an aquaponics system because it requires little maintenance and plenty of water. Cabbages mature fast in aquaponic gardens and are usually ready for harvesting within 60 to 90 days. When cabbages are grown in aquaponics, they yield healthy and heavy heads.
Cabbage is a staple food worldwide, and its demand has remained consistent. It is a delicious, versatile crop that is eaten fresh, boiled, or fermented to make sauerkraut. Cabbages move fast, and they fetch reasonable prices in the market, so you can really get ahead with these veggies.
24. Onions
Onions are among the most popular crops globally. They are used daily in households and eateries to give food a savory taste and pleasant aroma to almost anything. Onions do well in aquaponics gardens, and you can also plant different types of onions, including leeks, chives, spring onions, or red onions, to create a more versatile garden.
The beauty of planting onions in aquaponics systems is that they don’t require a lot of spacing– you can thus grow them densely for an excellent yield. The demand for onions is at an all-time high, and the prices are also relatively high. Onions are some of the most profitable aquaponics crops because the market is almost insatiable.
25. Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is an excellent crop to grow in aquaponics because it is short in stature and grows easily. It also matures more quickly than ordinary corn, and you can harvest it within 60 days after planting. In addition, the ears of corn are healthy, large, and sweeter than when grown in water, and each stalk produces about two ears of corn.
People love sweet corn because it is tastier than ordinary corn, and they can eat it fresh, canned, or frozen. Since the demand is so high, the prices are also reasonable, making sweet corn a profitable aquaponics crop.
26. Mint
Most mint varieties flourish in aquaponics gardens, and if you are not careful, the growth could overwhelm your system. However, if you space the plants appropriately, they grow well with minimal maintenance. Mint grows fast and in abundance, and you can start harvesting within 5 to 6 weeks.
Once the mint plant matures, you can harvest it for five years or more. The demand for mint is high because people use it for its medicinal value and versatility in culinary dishes and drinks. You can expect good returns with this crop because the prices are stable, and the demand is higher than the supply.
27. Dill
Dill is a great herb and seasoning to grow in the aquaponics garden since it is easy to produce and does not need much maintenance. It also matures fast; you can start harvesting within 60 days after transplanting. It is versatile, too, since the seeds produce the spice while the leaves make dill weed herb.
Dill is a popular spice as people make different dishes such as potato salads and pickles. People also use it either dried or fresh, and the demand is high, and the prices are pretty high because it’s not a common crop. Dill is thus one of the most profitable aquaponics herbs to grow in your garden.
