For those who do not know, some vegetables and fruits fall into the category of perennial. That means they don’t just die after the first season, they come back year after year. Whether you neglect them or not they tend to be quite lively and will usually still come back within reason.
These perennial fruits and vegetables can come in handy during rough times and while getting rid of them in some instances can be tricky, if you put the foods they provide to good use, you are gaining a lot. Many vegetables only grow for one season and then have to be replanted but these kinds keep things going even after you’ve stopped caring for them in many cases.
If you’re looking for some fruits and veggies to work with outside that won’t require as much work perhaps they are a good place to start. Don’t get me wrong, you do still need to take care of them and if you neglect them too much they may not come back but overall you don’t have to do too much to care for them. I have several of these in my garden and they never fail to poke their little offerings forth.
12 Perennial Fruits And Veggies That Grow Back Every Year:
1. Water Cress
Water cress is something that typically grows near creeks or ponds but can grow in other places as well. As long as it has a lot of water it will likely do well. Sure, it’s more on the peppery side but I love adding it to salads.
2. Asparagus
Most people seem to like asparagus quite well and adding it to your garden is a lot easier than you’d think. Once it’s established it will keep coming back and thriving properly. Sure, it might require some care but overall it’s quite the tame plant.
3. Rhubarb
Yes, rhubarb is also perennial. While the leaves are poisonous the plant itself is quite often a treat. While I prefer mine raw some people do cook theirs. It is quite tart and more on the acidic side but quite a treat in my opinion.
4. Avocado
Avocados grow from trees and those trees won’t just give up after a cold hard winter. They come back full force and produce more avocados each season. If you like avocados you’ll love having your own avocado tree.
5. Jerusalem Artichoke
While not everyone will want to eat these, they can be eaten raw or cooked. They are relatives of the sunflower and are not fussy at all. They will grow just about anywhere and are quite reliable regardless of what you’re doing to care for them.
6. Grapes
Grapes are especially special compared to the rest of the things on this list because they can grow in almost any soil type as long as they have good drainage and sunlight. While each vine you plant will need about six feet of space, that’s not a lot considering they can grow in any direction you want them to depending on how you move them about as they become longer. Not only are they some of the easiest on this list, but they are also some of the most delicious on this list.
7. Horseradish
Horseradish while sort of in-between of a herb and a vegetable is a beneficial plant to have around. They are very tough and persistent plants that can thrive through a lot of neglect and when made into a sauce is quite yummy. If you like to eat horseradish with your steak at home, a fresh supply could come in handy.
8. Blackberries
Very much like raspberries the roots of these plants live on while the branches die off each go around. If you grew up with wild blackberries in your back yard or off in the woods, you know how great these plants can be to have around. Not only to blackberries taste delicious, but they are also very good for us.
9. Yams
Yams can be quite perennial depending on the environment. Sure, some do require trailing or climbing vines in order to maintain properly but that’s not as big of a deal as you might think. After the first few harvests, you’ll really take a liking to these guys.
10. Raspberries
Raspberries are perennial but you should be aware that their branches will only truly live for about two summers. They bring forth new branches and bear new fruit each year. While this might sound odd, even just one bush is more than enough.
11. Ceylon or Sissoo Sweet Potatoes
Some types of sweet potatoes are considered as being perennial. Those species as noted above also include some others as well. These little guys might not be everyone’s cup of tea but if you like them they’re not hard to grow.
12. Tree Cabbage
Tree cabbage might not be something a lot of people rush to eat but it can be quite tasty. This plant tends to stand well over winter and usually holds its own. While they might only last for about three or four years, they are worth keeping around.