Creating a lush, vibrant garden doesn’t have to take years. With the right selection of fast-growing plants, you can transform your outdoor space into a flourishing oasis in just weeks or months. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned green thumb looking for quick results, these 12 fast-growing plants offer instant garden success. From colorful flowers to edible greens and towering shrubs, this guide covers a variety of plants that thrive quickly, require minimal fuss, and deliver stunning visual impact.
Why Choose Fast-Growing Plants?
Fast-growing plants are ideal for gardeners seeking immediate gratification. They fill empty spaces, provide privacy, attract pollinators, and add texture and color to landscapes. These plants are often hardy, adaptable, and low-maintenance, making them perfect for busy homeowners or those new to gardening. Additionally, fast growers can stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and create microclimates for other plants to thrive.
Below, we explore 12 fast-growing plants, their growth habits, care requirements, and tips for maximizing their potential in your garden.
1. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Growth Rate: 6–12 feet in 3–4 months
Sunflowers are the poster children of fast-growing plants, shooting up to towering heights in a single season. These cheerful annuals produce large, vibrant blooms that follow the sun, adding drama and color to any garden.
Why They’re Great
- Quick Growth: From seed to bloom in as little as 80–120 days.
- Versatility: Available in dwarf varieties (1–3 feet) or giants (up to 12 feet).
- Wildlife-Friendly: Attract bees, butterflies, and birds (especially for seeds).
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun (6–8 hours daily).
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
- Water: Regular watering, especially during germination and early growth.
- Planting: Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost.
Pro Tip
Stake taller varieties to prevent toppling in windy conditions. For continuous blooms, plant seeds every 2–3 weeks.
2. Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Growth Rate: 6–10 feet in 2–3 months
Morning glories are fast-climbing vines known for their trumpet-shaped, blue, purple, or white flowers that open at dawn and close up by afternoon.
Why They’re Great
- Rapid Coverage: Ideal for trellises, fences, or arbors.
- Low Maintenance: Thrives in poor soil with minimal care.
- Daily Blooms: New flowers appear each morning.
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun for best flowering.
- Soil: Tolerates a wide range, but prefers well-drained soil.
- Water: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Caution: Seeds are toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children.
Pro Tip
Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to speed up germination.
3. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Growth Rate: Ready to harvest in 20–30 days
For edible gardens, radishes are a top choice for speed and ease. These crisp, peppery root vegetables are perfect for beginners and deliver quick results.
Why They’re Great
- Ultra-Fast: From seed to harvest in under a month.
- Compact: Ideal for small spaces or container gardens.
- Versatile: Eat roots raw, roasted, or pickled; use greens in salads.
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Water: Consistent moisture to prevent woody texture.
- Planting: Sow seeds every 10–14 days for a continuous harvest.
Pro Tip
Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart to ensure healthy root development.
4. Bamboo (Bambusa or Phyllostachys spp.)
Growth Rate: 1–3 feet per year (clumping varieties); up to 10 feet per year (running varieties)
Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that creates lush, tropical screens or focal points. Clumping varieties are less invasive, while running types spread quickly and require containment.
Why They’re Great
- Privacy: Forms dense hedges or screens in a single season.
- Evergreen: Maintains foliage year-round in most climates.
- Sustainable: Harvest for crafts, stakes, or edible shoots (in some species).
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.
- Water: Regular watering, especially during establishment.
- Containment: Use root barriers for running bamboo to control spread.
Pro Tip
Choose clumping bamboo (e.g., Fargesia) for smaller gardens to avoid invasive growth.
5. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Growth Rate: 1–3 feet in 2–3 months
Zinnias are vibrant annual flowers that bloom prolifically from summer to frost. Available in a rainbow of colors, they’re a favorite for borders and cutting gardens.
Why They’re Great
- Fast Blooms: Flowers appear 6–8 weeks after planting.
- Long-Lasting: Continuous blooms with deadheading.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.
- Water: Moderate; avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.
- Planting: Sow seeds directly or start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost.
Pro Tip
Pinch young plants to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
6. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Growth Rate: 1–10 feet in 2–3 months
Nasturtiums are versatile annuals with edible leaves, flowers, and seeds. They grow as compact mounds or sprawling vines, adding fiery colors to gardens.
Why They’re Great
- Edible: Peppery leaves and flowers enhance salads.
- Pest-Repellent: Deter aphids and other garden pests.
- Low Maintenance: Thrives in poor soil.
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Poor to average, well-drained soil.
- Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
- Planting: Sow seeds after the last frost.
Pro Tip
Use nasturtiums as a trap crop to lure pests away from vegetables.
7. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Growth Rate: 6–8 feet in 3–4 months
Sweet peas are fragrant, climbing annuals with delicate, pastel-colored blooms. They’re perfect for vertical gardens or as cut flowers.
Why They’re Great
- Quick Climbers: Cover trellises or fences rapidly.
- Fragrant: Add a sweet scent to gardens.
- Cool-Season: Thrive in spring or fall.
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Support: Provide trellises or netting for climbing.
Pro Tip
Pick flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
8. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Growth Rate: Ready to harvest in 30–60 days
Lettuce is a fast-growing leafy green that’s ideal for edible gardens. With varieties like loose-leaf, romaine, and butterhead, it offers diverse textures and flavors.
Why They’re Great
- Speedy Harvest: Baby greens ready in 30 days; full heads in 60 days.
- Space-Saver: Grows in containers or small plots.
- Cool-Season: Thrives in spring and fall.
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil.
- Water: Consistent moisture to prevent bitterness.
- Planting: Sow seeds every 2 weeks for a steady supply.
Pro Tip
Harvest outer leaves for cut-and-come-again production.
9. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Growth Rate: 2–4 feet in 2–3 months
Cosmos are airy, daisy-like annuals with feathery foliage and vibrant pink, white, or purple blooms. They’re perfect for cottage gardens or wildflower meadows.
Why They’re Great
- Fast Blooms: Flowers appear 8–12 weeks after planting.
- Drought-Tolerant: Thrives in hot, dry conditions.
- Self-Seeding: Returns year after year in mild climates.
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun.
- Soil: Average to poor, well-drained soil.
- Water: Moderate; tolerates drought.
- Planting: Sow seeds directly after the last frost.
Pro Tip
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming.
10. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Growth Rate: 3–6 feet in 1–2 years
This deciduous shrub is prized for its vibrant red stems, which add winter interest. It grows quickly, making it ideal for hedges or erosion control.
Why They’re Great
- Year-Round Appeal: Red stems in winter, white flowers in spring, berries in summer.
- Hardy: Tolerates wet soils and cold climates.
- Wildlife-Friendly: Berries attract birds.
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
- Water: Regular watering, especially in dry spells.
- Pruning: Cut back older stems in spring to encourage new growth.
Pro Tip
Plant in groups for a striking visual effect.
11. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.
Growth Rate: 1–3 feet in 2–3 months
Marigolds are cheerful annuals with bright yellow, orange, or red blooms. They’re easy to grow and excellent for borders, containers, or companion planting.
Why They’re Great
- Quick Blooms: Flowers appear 6–8 weeks after planting.
- Pest-Repellent: Deter nematodes and other garden pests.
- Heat-Tolerant: Thrives in summer heat.
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun.
- Soil: Average, well-drained soil.
- Water: Moderate; avoid overwatering.
- Planting: Sow seeds indoors or directly after frost.
Pro Tip
Plant marigolds near vegetables to protect against pests.
12. Clematis (Clematis spp.)
Growth Rate: 6–12 feet in 1–2 years
Clematis, often called the “queen of vines,” is a fast-growing perennial climber with stunning star-shaped flowers in various colors.
Why They’re Great
- Rapid Coverage: Covers arbors, pergolas, or walls quickly.
- Long-Blooming: Flowers from spring to fall, depending on variety.
- Versatile: Choose early-, mid-, or late-blooming cultivars.
Care Tips
- Sun: Full sun with shaded roots.
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Support: Provide sturdy trellises or wires.
Pro Tip
Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and moist.
Tips for Maximizing Garden Success
- Plan Your Layout: Group plants by water and sun needs to simplify care.
- Prepare Soil: Add compost or organic matter to boost fertility and drainage.
- Water Wisely: Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficient watering.
- Mulch: Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Monitor Pests: Inspect plants regularly and use natural remedies like neem oil when needed.
- Succession Planting: Sow seeds every few weeks for continuous blooms or harvests.
Conclusion
With these 12 fast-growing plants, you can achieve instant garden success without years of waiting. From the towering sunflowers to the delicate blooms of clematis, these plants offer beauty, functionality, and quick results. Whether you’re aiming for a colorful flowerbed, a productive vegetable patch, or a private hedge, there’s a fast-growing plant to suit your needs. Start planting today, and watch your garden transform into a thriving masterpiece in no time.