A hydroponic system can be a great way for people without a large yard to grow and harvest their own vegetables. Most veggies will grow quicker in a water-borne system than they would in soil, but how long do hydroponic vegetables take to grow to harvest size?
Here is a complete list of hydroponic vegetable growth times:
- Cucumbers: 5 to 6 weeks
- Lettuce: 4 to 6 weeks
- Green beans: 6 to 8 weeks
- Cabbage: 9 to 11 weeks
- Carrots: 8 to 10 weeks
- Chard: 4 to 5 weeks
- Beets: 6 to 8 weeks
- Spinach: 4 to 6 weeks
- Kale: 5 to 6 weeks
- Chives: 6 to 8 weeks
- Celery: 14 to 20 weeks
- Broccoli: 8 to 20 weeks
- Cauliflower: 10 to 12 weeks
- Leek: 6 to 8 weeks
- Radishes: 3 to 4 weeks
- Arugula: 3 to 6 weeks
- Eggplant: 6 to 8 weeks
- Onions: 9 to 12 weeks
- Peas: 7 to 8 weeks
- Bell peppers: 7 to 9 weeks
- Zucchini: 6 to 8 weeks
- Bok Choy: 5 to 6 weeks
- Mustard greens: 4 to 5 weeks
- Squash: 6 to 8 weeks
- Tomatoes: 6 to 8 weeks
Each vegetable has its unique growing specifications, which you can consult below. Keep reading to learn more about the growth times of 25 of the best hydroponic vegetables!
1. Cucumbers: 5 to 6 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Can be grown in both indoor and outdoor hydroponics systems
- Water pH: 6.0 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 1190 to 1750
- Water temperature: Ideal range between 60 and 82 ºF (15.55 to 27.77 ºC)
- Plant height: 6 to 8 feet (182.88 to 243.84 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Medium
Cucumbers are some of the most versatile vegetables out there. From salads to sandwiches, or even just on their own as a snack, cucumbers are delicious vegetables that you can eat at any time of day. The best part is they’re one of the easiest and quickest hydroponic vegetables to grow.
Cucumbers can be a great choice for someone looking to commercialize their hydroponic harvest. They are always in demand as they are a part of many people’s everyday diets. You should have no problem finding buyers for your hydroponic cucumbers.
There is a wide variety of cucumber types that you can grow hydroponically. Some of the most popular hydroponic cucumber types are:
- Spacemaster cucumber
- Apple cucumber
- Bush champion cucumber
- Lebanese cucumber
- Beit Alpha cucumber
- Lemon cucumber
2. Lettuce: 4 to 6 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 5.5 to 6.0
- Nutrient PPM: 560 to 840
- Water temperature: 68 to 75 ºF (20 to 23.88 ºC)
- Plant height: 6 to 12 inches (15.24 to 30.5 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Lettuce is one of the most popular vegetables for hydroponics systems. One of the key features of lettuce is that you can harvest it leaf by leaf, which will allow you to harvest some of your lettuce in as little as 20 days. However, keep in mind that a full harvest will take up to 8 weeks.
If you’re not yet very experienced in growing hydroponic vegetables, lettuce might be a great way to start. This leafy vegetable is extremely easy to grow in hydroponics systems because its root system works really well in hydroponic environments.
3. Green Beans: 6 to 8 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 6.0 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 1400 to 2800
- Water temperature: 70 to 80 ºF (21.11 to 26.66 ºC)
- Plant height: 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Green beans are another easy hydroponic vegetable that is great for beginners as well as casual hydroponic farmers. You can get a full harvest of green beans in under eight weeks, meaning that you can get up to six full harvests of green beans per year.
Green beans can grow year-round, making them an attractive and profitable choice for those looking to consume their harvests.
4. Cabbage: 9 to 11 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 6.5 to 7.0
- Nutrient PPM: 1750 to 2100
- Water temperature: 65 to 75 ºF (18.33 to 23. 88 ºC)
- Plant height: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Like lettuce, cabbage is a very easy vegetable to grow in a hydroponic system. You can wait up to 11 weeks to harvest the entire cabbage head, or you can harvest individual leaves as they mature. This is also a great choice for those without much space since you only need to plant your cabbage plants 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
5. Carrots: 8 to 10 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 6.0 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 1120 to 1400
- Water temperature: 65 to 75 ºF (18.33 to 23. 88 ºC)
- Plant height: Up to 12 inches (30cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Medium
Carrots are a great hydroponic vegetable for those without much space. You only need to plant them about one and a half inches apart, making them an excellent choice for hydroponic systems on the smaller side. You can expect to harvest your carrots about ten weeks after planting.
6. Chard: 4 to 5 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 6.6 to 7.0
- Nutrient PPM: 1260 to 1610
- Water temperature: 55 to 75 ºF (12.77 to 23.88 º C)
- Plant height: 8 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Chard is a wonderfully-nutritious leafy green vegetable that can be consumed in smoothies, stews, and many dishes. Growing chard requires minimal time and effort: this sturdy vegetable can be ready for harvest in as little as four weeks.
7. Beets: 6 to 8 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 6.0 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 1260 to 3500
- Water temperature: 60 to 65 ºF (15.55 to 18.33 ºC)
- Plant height: 12 to 18 inches tall (30 to 45 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Beets are one of the most versatile root vegetables. You can use them to make soups, salads, stews, and even fresh juice. These delicious vegetables can be harvested in about six to eight weeks if grown in a hydroponic system.
8. Spinach: 4 to 6 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 5.5 to 6.6
- Nutrient PPM: 1260 to 1610
- Water temperature: 65 to 70 º F (18.33 to 21.11 ºC)
- Plant height: 6 to 36 inches
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Everyone’s heard of the famous superfood spinach. Whether you eat it fresh in a salad, blend it up in a smoothie, or wilt it down in a stew or curry, you are guaranteed to find a good use for some fresh spinach. Just like lettuce, you can expect a full harvest in 4 to 6 weeks, but you may start harvesting the outer leaves in as little as three weeks.
9. Kale: 5 to 6 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 5.5 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 800 to 1250
- Water temperature: 45 to 85 ºF (7.22 to 29.44)
- Plant height: 12 to 24 inches (30.5 to 61 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Kale is a leafy green that has become extremely popular due to its nutritional value. If you’re a fan of salads and greens smoothies, you will find that growing kale in your hydroponics system can be a great way to save money and get high-quality nutrition in your diet.
Kale takes five to six weeks to grow to full harvest, although you can harvest it in as little as three weeks if you’re in a time crunch. It can also grow in a very wide water temperature range, making kale one of the easiest vegetables you could grow in your hydroponics tank.
10. Chives: 6 to 8 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 6.0 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 1260 to 1680
- Water temperature: 60 to 70 ºF (15.55 to 21.11 ºC)
- Plant height: 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Chives pack a big flavor punch for their small size. Adding these to your scrambled eggs or your fried rice can be a great way to give some freshness and spiciness to your dishes.
When planted from scratch, chives will take six to 8 weeks to be ready for harvesting. They are a great option for personal consumption as you can re-harvest them every four to six weeks.
11. Celery: 14 to 20 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 6.3 to 6.7
- Nutrient PPM: 1260 to 1680
- Water temperature: 59 to 73.4 ºF (15 to 23 ºC)
- Plant height: 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Celery is a cooking staple in all kinds of cuisines. It’s considered a part of the holy trinity of cooking in Cajun cuisine, along with carrots and bell peppers.
If you’re looking for a crop that will allow you to harvest it continually, then celery can be a great choice for you. Celery stalks can take up to 20 weeks to mature from scratch, but once you harvest for the first time, you will be able to re-harvest in as little as eight weeks.
12. Broccoli: 8 to 20 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 6.0 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 1960 to 2450
- Water temperature: 55 to 65 ºF (12.77 to 18.33 ºC)
- Plant height: Up to 30 inches (76.2 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Medium
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that packs many essential vitamins and nutrients. Growing broccoli from scratch can take as little as 80 days, making it an excellent choice if you are looking to grow vegetables quickly.
13. Cauliflower: 10 to 12 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 6.0 to 7.0
- Nutrient PPM: 1050 to 1400
- Water temperature: 55 to 70 ºF (12.77 to 21.11 ºC)
- Plant height: 12 to 30 inches (30.44 to 76.2 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Medium
Cauliflower is an extremely versatile vegetable that has become wildly popular in recent years. From pizza crust to cauliflower rice, there are a few things that this cruciferous vegetable can’t do. Growing cauliflower from scratch in a hydroponics system will take up to 12 weeks.
14. Leek: 6 to 8 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 6.5 to 7.0
- Nutrient PPM: 980 to 1260
- Water temperature: 60 to 65 ºF (15.55 to 18.33 ºC)
- Plant height: 2 to 3 ft (60.96 to 91.44 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
If you’re looking for a vegetable that can be continuously re-harvested, then leeks are a fantastic choice. Although the first harvest can take up to eight weeks, you will be able to re-harvest them in as little as three weeks afterward. Leeks go great in stews and soups, so don’t be afraid to include them in your hydroponics system.
15. Radishes: 3 to 4 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Outdoor
- Water pH: 6.0 to 7.0
- Nutrient PPM: 840 to 1540
- Water temperature: 55 to 85 ºF (12.77 to 29.44 ºC)
- Plant height: 2 to 3 ft (60.96 to 91.44 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Radishes are tasty and crunchy root vegetables that can be eaten raw, stewed, and even as toppings for your tacos. You can even snack on them all on their own or with a little bit of salt.
Radishes are very fast growers and only take between three and four weeks for a full harvest. They are also very easy to grow, so if you’re just getting started, you should consider introducing radishes to your hydroponics system.
16. Arugula: 3 to 6 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 5.5 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 400 to 700
- Water temperature: 50 to 75 ºF (10 to 23.88 ºC)
- Plant height: 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91.3 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
If you’re a fan of salads, then you’re probably already familiar with this spicy leaf. Arugula is a very flavorful leafy green from the Mediterranean, making it great in a fresh salad or topping for an avocado toast. You can even use arugula to top your pizza!
Arugula, like lettuce, can be harvested in as little as three weeks. For a full harvest, you should give your arugula as much as six weeks to allow it to grow completely.
17. Eggplant: 6 to 8 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 5.5 to 6.0
- Nutrient PPM: 1750 to 2400
- Water temperature: 70 to 90 ºF (21.11 to 32.22 ºC)
- Plant height: 12 to 30 inches (30.44 to 76.2 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Medium
Eggplant is a winter vegetable, which means its availability is dependent on the season. However, with a hydroponics system, you will be able to grow eggplant year-round! Also known as aubergines, these vegetables absorb flavor well, making them great meat substitutes for many dishes, such as eggplant parmesan—a replacement for chicken!.
You can expect your eggplant to be ready for harvest 6 to 8 weeks after being transplanted into your hydroponics tank.
18. Onions: 9 to 12 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 5.5 to 7.0
- Nutrient PPM: 980 to 1260
- Water temperature: 55 to 75 ºF (12.77 to 23.88 º C)
- Plant height: 6 to 12 inches (15.24 to 30.5 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Medium
Onions are the foundation of almost every cuisine around the world. Sauteed, caramelized, and even raw onions are essential ingredients in countless dishes, so having a steady supply of fresh onions in your backyard would be wonderful.
You can expect to harvest onions in three to four months if you planted them as seeds. Otherwise, you can expect to harvest them in 3 to 90 days, depending on the type of onion and how big the plant was when introduced to your hydroponics tank.
19. Peas: 7 to 8 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 6.0 to 7.0
- Nutrient PPM: 580 to 1260
- Water temperature: 55 to 65 ºF (12.77 to 18.33 ºC)
- Plant height: 18 to 30 inches (45.72 to 76.2 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Peas are another excellent vegetables for those looking for a steady supply of fresh vegetables from their hydroponics tanks. Peas only take about eight weeks to mature, and you can harvest them as soon as they start to pod.
20. Bell Peppers: 7 to 9 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 6.0 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 1400 to 1750
- Water temperature: 65 to 75 ºF (18.33 to 23.88 ºC)
- Plant height: 3 to 6 feet (91.44 to 182.88 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Medium
Bell peppers are extraordinary vegetables that are packed with nutrients. They are very popular among consumers too, making them an excellent vegetable to grow hydroponically if you’re looking to sell your harvests.
Bell peppers take up to three months for a full harvest. Keep in mind that they become sweeter the longer they are left on the vine, so if you’re looking for a sweet addition to your salads, you may want to take your time with them.
21. Zucchini: 6 to 8 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 6.0
- Nutrient PPM: 1260 to 1680
- Water temperature: 80 to 90 ºF (26.66 to 32.22 ºC)
- Plant height: 2 to 3.5 ft (61 to 106.68 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Medium
Zucchini is a wonderfully diverse vegetable that can go well in soups, stews, and even on pizza. Also known as summer squash, zucchini can take between six and eight weeks to harvest if grown in a hydroponics system.
22. Bok Choy: 5 to 6 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 5.5 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 750 to 1250
- Water temperature: 55 to 75 ºF (12.77 to 23.88 ºC)
- Plant height: Up to 24 inches (61cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Also known as the Chinese cabbage and Chinese chard, bok choy is a leafy green popular in East Asian cuisine. If you’re a fan of ramen, udon, or any other hot soup with noodles, you may find many uses for your bok choy.
These leafy greens take up to six weeks to harvest and can be a great option for someone looking to grow vegetables for personal consumption.
23. Mustard Greens: 4 to 5 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Water pH: 5.5 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 600 to 1200
- Water temperature: 50 to 75 ºF (10 to 23.88 ºC)
- Plant height: up to 3 ft (91.5 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Mustard greens are another great choice for fans of salads. These ruffled leaves can add a spicy and flavorful punch to your favorite salad or sandwich, making them an excellent choice for those looking to consume what they harvest.
Mustard greens take approximately four to five weeks for a full harvest. Like lettuce, you can harvest your mustard greens in as little as three weeks after germination, although they won’t grow to their full potential in that time.
24. Squash: 6 to 8 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 5.0 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 1260 to 1680
- Water temperature: 70 to 75 ºF (21.11 to 23.88 ºC)
- Plant height: 1 to 3 feet (30.44 to 91.5 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Medium
Squash is a seasonal vegetable that you can usually only find during the fall. If you’re a fan of squash soup, baked squash, or any other recipe involving this delicious vegetable, then hydroponics may be a great way for you to source your squash year-round. Squash takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to grow in a hydroponics system.
25. Tomatoes: 6 to 8 weeks
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Water pH: 5.5 to 6.5
- Nutrient PPM: 1400 to 3500
- Water temperature: 65 to 80 ºF (18.33 to 26.66 ºC)
- Plant height: 3 to 4 feet (91.44 to 122 cm)
- Growing difficulty level: Low
Okay, tomatoes are technically fruits and not vegetables, but many people consider them vegetables. The Supreme Court of the United States came out with a ruling stating that tomatoes are vegetables under certain laws since tomatoes are treated as vegetables in common language.
Despite the taxonomical controversy surrounding tomatoes, they are an excellent plant for any hydroponics system. Each plant can produce anywhere from 20 to 90 tomatoes, giving you an excellent supply of this wonderful fruit (or vegetable!). You can expect a full harvest in 6 to 8 weeks.
