Easy-To-Grow Edible Indoor Plants
By far, leafy greens are one of the easiest indoor edibles to grow. These fast growing and shallow-rooted veggies require a minimum of four to six hours of direct sunlight and can often be grown in a southern-facing window in the dead of winter. Most leafy greens can be planted 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) apart in 4 inch (10 cm.) tall containers. Here are some excellent leafy edibles to grow inside the house:
ArugulaBok choyKaleMicrogreensLettuceSpinachSwiss chard
Herbs are another one of the edible houseplants which are prolific and easy to grow in a sunny window. Many herbs have attractive foliage and impart a lovely aroma to the room. A 4 inch (10 cm.) pot will suffice for smaller, leafy herbs. Woody plants, like rosemary, require a larger and deeper planter. Try growing these favorite culinary herbs as fresh indoor edibles:
BasilChivesCilantroDillMintOreganoParsleyRosemaryThyme
Root Vegetables to Grow Indoors
Root vegetables are another option for easy vegetables to grow indoors. Depending upon the variety, root vegetables generally need a deeper container and may take longer to mature than many leafy greens. Here are popular choices of root vegetables to grow inside the house:
BeetsCarrotsGarlicOnionsPotatoesRadishes
Cruciferous Indoor Edibles
If you have a cooler room with a sunny window, members of the cabbage family can be ideal vegetables to grow indoors. While not difficult to cultivate, days to maturity can range between three and six months. Production may also be limited to one head of cabbage or one primary broccoli or cauliflower head per pot. Consider these cruciferous culinary favorites:
BroccoliBrussels sproutsCabbageCauliflowerKaleKohlrabi
Difficult Edibles to Grow Inside
Fruiting and vining plants are the among the most difficult to grow as edible houseplants. Many of these vegetables require eight to ten hours of sunlight to produce blossoms and fruit. Supplying artificial light is usually required, especially for winter cultivation. Additionally, even self-fertilizing species may need help with pollination. For the best chance of success, stick with compact varieties or greenhouse cultivars. These varieties grow well in containers and can be quite productive. Use a large planter and limit plants to one per pot. If you’re willing to take on the challenge, try growing these fruiting and vining edible indoor plants:
BeansCucumbersEggplantPeppersTomatoes
