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From seed to harvest, the Growing times for vegetable seeds.
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- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Peppers
- Beans
- Squash
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Radishes
- Beets
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Peas
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Celery
- Corn
- Sweet Potatoes
- Turnips
- Brussels Sprouts
- Collard Greens
- Swiss Chard
- Leeks
- Artichokes
- Okra
- Mustard Greens
- Arugula
- Bok Choy
- Fennel
- Parsnips
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Basil
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Mint
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From seed to harvest, the Growing times for vegetable seeds.
- The Value of Knowing Your Seed Lifespan Times
From seed to harvest, the Growing times for vegetable seeds.
Knowing the length of time it takes for your vegetable seeds to reach the various important stages of their growth goes a long way to successful gardening. A primary benefit is succession planting to ensure a steady flow of fresh ready to harvest vegetables through the growing season rather then everything coming ready to harvest at once. Another important benefit is knowing if your seeds are going to come up after planting if you are getting concerned over too much time passing with no sign of growth.
In this extensive post, I’ve listed the top 40 most common vegetables, as well as their average germination and sprouting times right on through to optimal harvesting times. Keep in mind these are general guidelines and there are numerous variables that will impact your growing times including soil composition, soil temperature, watering and so forth.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens, offering a range of varieties from cherry to beefsteak. Here’s a breakdown of their growth stages:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 10-14 days |
Flowering | 45-60 days |
Fruit Development | 60-85 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 70-90 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Late spring after frost |
For optimal growth, ensure they receive plenty of sunlight, consistent watering, and regular pruning. Varieties like ‘Early Girl’ can be ready in about 50 days, while larger types like ‘Brandywine’ may take up to 90 days.
Carrots
Carrots are known for their versatility and sweet flavor. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 10-20 days |
Sprouting | 20-30 days |
Root Development | 50-70 days |
Harvest | 70-80 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 70-80 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
For best results, plant in loose, well-drained soil and ensure consistent moisture. Varieties like ‘Nantes’ are usually ready around 65-70 days, whereas ‘Imperator’ types might take up to 75-80 days.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a quick-growing crop with varieties such as romaine, iceberg, and leaf lettuce. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 2-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Leaf Development | 20-30 days |
Harvest | 30-70 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 30-70 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Plant in cool weather and provide consistent moisture to keep the leaves tender and crisp. Succession planting can provide a continuous harvest.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers come in slicing and pickling varieties, each with a unique growth timeline. Here’s their growth breakdown:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 3-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Flowering | 35-50 days |
Fruit Development | 50-70 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 55-70 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Late spring to early summer |
Ensure they have plenty of space to climb by using trellises and supports. ‘Marketmore’ varieties can be harvested in about 55 days, while pickling types like ‘Boston Pickling’ are ready in about 50 days.
Peppers
Peppers, including bell peppers and hot peppers, typically take longer to mature. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-21 days |
Sprouting | 14-28 days |
Flowering | 60-90 days |
Fruit Development | 60-90 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 70-90 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Late spring after frost |
Plant in warm soil and ensure they receive full sunlight. ‘Bell Boy’ bell peppers are ready in about 70 days, while hot peppers like ‘Jalapeño’ might take around 75-80 days.
Beans
Beans are a favorite for many homesteaders, with bush and pole varieties offering different harvest times. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-10 days |
Sprouting | 10-14 days |
Flowering | 30-50 days |
Pod Development | 50-70 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 55-70 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Late spring to early summer |
Bush beans are usually ready in about 50 to 60 days, while pole beans take a bit longer, around 60 to 70 days. Provide support for pole beans and ensure regular watering for best yields. ‘Blue Lake’ bush beans can be harvested in 55 days, whereas ‘Kentucky Wonder’ pole beans take about 65-70 days.
Squash
Squash varieties, such as zucchini and butternut, have different growth periods. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Flowering | 35-50 days |
Fruit Development | 45-55 days (zucchini) / 80-100 days (butternut) |
Optimal Harvesting | 50-55 days (zucchini) / 85-100 days (butternut) |
Ideal Planting Time | Late spring to early summer |
Zucchini typically takes about 45 to 55 days from planting to harvest, while butternut squash can take up to 80-100 days. Ensure they have ample space to spread out and receive full sunlight.
Spinach
Spinach is a cool-weather crop that grows quickly. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Leaf Development | 20-30 days |
Harvest | 35-45 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 35-45 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
For a continuous supply, plant in successive intervals. Keep the soil cool and consistently moist to extend the growing season.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cool-season crop that requires careful timing. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 10-14 days |
Head Formation | 60-80 days |
Harvest | 70-100 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 70-100 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Ensure broccoli receives consistent moisture and full sunlight for optimal growth.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower requires similar conditions to broccoli. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 10-14 days |
Head Formation | 50-70 days |
Harvest | 60-100 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 60-100 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide plenty of sunlight.
Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables to grow. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 3-7 days |
Sprouting | 5-10 days |
Root Development | 20-30 days |
Harvest | 20-30 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 20-30 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Plant in cool weather and ensure consistent moisture for crisp roots.
Beets
Beets are versatile and can be harvested for both roots and greens. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 10-14 days |
Root Development | 50-60 days |
Harvest | 50-70 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 50-70 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Ensure beets are planted in well-drained soil and receive regular watering.
Onions
Onions can be grown from seeds, sets, or transplants. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Bulb Formation | 100-120 days |
Harvest | 100-150 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 100-150 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.
Garlic
Garlic is typically planted in the fall for a summer harvest. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Bulb Formation | 200-240 days |
Harvest | 210-250 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 210-250 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Fall |
Ensure garlic is planted in well-drained soil and receives consistent moisture.
Potatoes
Potatoes are grown from seed potatoes. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Plant Development | 30-40 days |
Tuber Formation | 70-90 days |
Harvest | 90-120 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 90-120 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in loose, well-drained soil and ensure they receive consistent watering.
Peas
Peas are a cool-weather crop. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Flowering | 30-40 days |
Pod Development | 50-70 days |
Harvest | 50-70 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 50-70 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and provide support for climbing varieties.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a hardy, cool-season crop. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Head Formation | 60-80 days |
Harvest | 70-120 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 70-120 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Ensure consistent moisture and full sunlight for best results.
Kale
Kale is a hardy green that thrives in cool weather. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Leaf Development | 20-30 days |
Harvest | 45-60 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 45-60 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Plant in well-drained soil and provide consistent moisture.
Celery
Celery requires a long growing season. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 14-21 days |
Sprouting | 21-30 days |
Stalk Development | 80-100 days |
Harvest | 100-120 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 100-120 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in rich, well-drained soil and ensure consistent moisture.
Corn
Corn is a warm-season crop. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Tasseling | 50-70 days |
Ear Development | 60-100 days |
Harvest | 70-100 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 70-100 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Late spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are grown from slips. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Vine Development | 30-60 days |
Tuber Formation | 90-120 days |
Harvest | 100-150 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 100-150 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Late spring |
Plant in loose, well-drained soil and provide consistent watering.
Turnips
Turnips are a versatile root vegetable. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Root Development | 30-50 days |
Harvest | 35-60 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 35-60 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Plant in cool weather and ensure consistent moisture.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts require a long growing season. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Sprout Development | 70-90 days |
Harvest | 80-120 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 80-120 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Ensure consistent moisture and provide support for tall plants.
Collard Greens
Collard greens thrive in cooler weather. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Leaf Development | 20-30 days |
Harvest | 40-60 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 40-60 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Plant in well-drained soil and provide consistent moisture.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile green. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Leaf Development | 20-30 days |
Harvest | 50-60 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 50-60 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Plant in well-drained soil and provide consistent moisture.
Leeks
Leeks require a long growing season. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Bulb Development | 70-90 days |
Harvest | 100-120 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 100-120 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in rich, well-drained soil and ensure consistent moisture.
Artichokes
Artichokes are perennial plants. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 10-20 days |
Sprouting | 20-30 days |
Bud Formation | 150-180 days |
Harvest | 180-200 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 180-200 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Ensure they receive full sunlight and consistent moisture.
Okra
Okra thrives in warm weather. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Flowering | 40-50 days |
Pod Development | 50-70 days |
Harvest | 50-70 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 50-70 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Late spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are fast-growing. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Leaf Development | 20-30 days |
Harvest | 30-40 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 30-40 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Plant in cool weather and provide consistent moisture.
Arugula
Arugula is a fast-growing green. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Leaf Development | 20-30 days |
Harvest | 30-40 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 30-40 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Plant in cool weather and ensure consistent moisture.
Bok Choy
Bok choy is a fast-growing Asian green. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 5-10 days |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Leaf Development | 20-30 days |
Harvest | 30-45 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 30-45 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring or late summer |
Plant in cool weather and provide consistent moisture.
Fennel
Fennel is grown for its bulb and fronds. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Bulb Formation | 70-90 days |
Harvest | 80-100 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 80-100 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.
Parsnips
Parsnips are a long-season root vegetable. Here’s their growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 14-21 days |
Sprouting | 21-30 days |
Root Development | 100-120 days |
Harvest | 120-180 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 120-180 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in loose, well-drained soil and ensure they receive consistent moisture.
Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 14-21 days |
Sprouting | 21-30 days |
Leaf Development | 40-60 days |
Harvest | 70-90 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 70-90 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and provide consistent moisture.
Cilantro
Cilantro grows quickly. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Leaf Development | 30-40 days |
Harvest | 40-60 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 40-60 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in cool weather and ensure consistent moisture.
Dill
Dill is a fast-growing herb. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Leaf Development | 30-40 days |
Harvest | 40-60 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 40-60 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.
Basil
Basil is a warm-season herb. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 7-14 days |
Sprouting | 10-20 days |
Leaf Development | 30-40 days |
Harvest | 50-70 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 50-70 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Late spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.
Thyme
Thyme is a perennial herb. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 14-21 days |
Sprouting | 21-30 days |
Leaf Development | 40-60 days |
Harvest | 70-90 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 70-90 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial herb. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 14-21 days |
Sprouting | 21-30 days |
Leaf Development | 40-60 days |
Harvest | 80-100 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 80-100 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.
Sage
Sage is a perennial herb. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 14-21 days |
Sprouting | 21-30 days |
Leaf Development | 40-60 days |
Harvest | 70-90 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 70-90 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.
Mint
Mint is a perennial herb. Here’s its growth timeline:
Stage | Time Range |
---|---|
Germination | 14-21 days |
Sprouting | 21-30 days |
Leaf Development | 40-60 days |
Harvest | 70-90 days |
Optimal Harvesting | 70-90 days |
Ideal Planting Time | Early spring |
Plant in well-drained soil and ensure they receive full sunlight.
The Value of Knowing Your Seed Lifespan Times
Knowing the growing times of vegetable seeds offers several benefits for homesteaders, enhancing their ability to manage their gardens effectively and maximize their yields. Here are the key advantages:
1. Optimized Garden Planning
Benefits:
- Sequential Planting: Allows homesteaders to plan a succession of crops, ensuring a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
- Space Management: Helps in effectively using garden space by rotating crops and planting new seeds as soon as one crop is harvested.
- Seasonal Adaptation: Enables the selection of crops best suited for different times of the year, optimizing growth conditions and yields.
2. Improved Yield and Productivity
Benefits:
- Maximized Harvests: By understanding the exact time each crop takes to mature, homesteaders can time their plantings to maximize the number of harvests in a season.
- Optimal Resource Utilization: Ensures that water, nutrients, and sunlight are used efficiently, avoiding the wastage of resources on crops planted out of season or at the wrong time.
3. Enhanced Crop Health and Quality
Benefits:
- Pest and Disease Management: Timing plantings to avoid peak pest and disease periods can reduce the need for chemical interventions and improve crop health.
- Stress Reduction: Crops grown within their ideal time frames experience less stress, leading to better growth and higher quality produce.
4. Financial and Time Savings
Benefits:
- Reduced Costs: Efficient use of resources and reduced loss from pest and disease damage lowers the overall cost of growing crops.
- Time Efficiency: By knowing exactly when to plant and harvest, homesteaders can better allocate their time and effort, reducing labor and improving efficiency.
5. Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
Benefits:
- Sustainable Practices: Understanding growing times supports sustainable gardening practices by promoting crop rotation and reducing soil depletion.
- Increased Self-Sufficiency: A well-planned garden with continuous harvests enhances food security and self-sufficiency, providing a reliable source of fresh produce year-round.
6. Better Climate Adaptation
Benefits:
- Climate-Appropriate Crops: Selecting crops based on their growing times allows homesteaders to choose varieties that are best suited for their specific climate conditions.
- Weather Resilience: Planning plantings around weather patterns helps protect crops from adverse weather conditions, ensuring better resilience and survival.
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