7 Salad Greens to Grow This Year

Nothing beats the freshness and nutrition of a big green salad with homegrown ingredients! As a bonus, salad greens are a fantastic entry point into vegetable gardening: They’re easy to grow and produce a harvest quickly. With just a little know-how, you’ll have fresh salads in no time! Let’s take a look at the best 7 salad greens every salad-lovin’ gardener should grow.

Gardening enthusiasts and salad lovers alike can rejoice in the simplicity of growing their own salad greens. Not only do these leafy vegetables add fresh, crunchy flavors to your dishes, but they also bring a variety of textures and colors to your garden.

Plus, they’re generally cool-weather plants that are perfect for first spring planting, when all of us gardeners are just dying to get out in the garden and plant something. Growing lettuces and other leafy greens is straightforward, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Is Lettuce a Vegetable?

Always the big question, right? Yes, absolutely, lettuce and leafy greens are, indeed, vegetables. And, contrary to popular belief, most greens are not empty calories, but are healthy and nutritious. Now, pale and bland iceberg lettuce might not have a very long list of benefits, but dark-leafed greens, such as spinach, arugula, and kale, are chock full of goodness.

On a side note, not all leafy greens are lettuce — for example, kale is a cruciferous vegetable related to cabbage and broccoli — but it’s still an excellent addition to your salad bowl.

So, yes, indulge in that green salad and feel good that you’re fitting another serving of vegetables into your day!

Salad Greens Basics

While leafy salad greens generally prefer cooler temperatures, with the right care, some can thrive through all or part of the heat of summer. Most varieties grow easily from seed and can be harvested within weeks, providing a quick reward after waiting all winter for that first crop of homegrown edibles!

Leafy greens are also great options for container gardening. In fact, I prefer growing my lettuces in containers because, as the weather warms, I can move the containers out of the harshest of the midday sun, extending the growing season before the plants bolt and flower (i.e., go to seed). I also have a garden bench (photo at top) with a shade cloth I can drape over the plants to block the intense sun.

It’s worth noting that most leafy greens are pick-as-you-need-them. Meaning, you don’t have to wait until the entire head is developed. You can pick individual leaves for your lunch salad — choose the lowest leaves on the outside of the bunch — and leave the rest to continue growing. This will extend the availability of your harvest and does not hurt or stunt the plant at all.

So now let’s explore seven popular — and, not coincidentally, my personal favorites — salad greens, along with details about their growing seasons. Don’t hesitate to mix-and-match greens in your salad. For example, the crunch of romaine, the peppery pop of arugula, and the buttery tenderness of red oak leaf is one of my go-to mixes.

Spinach

Scientific name: Spinacia oleracea

When to Plant Seeds: Spinach seeds should be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, with soil temperatures between 40°F to 75°F.

First Harvest: Typically, spinach is ready to harvest in 40 to 45 days.

Flavor Profile: Offers a slightly sweet, earthy flavor when young, becoming more robust and slightly bitter as it matures.

Seasonal Growth: Spinach is a cool-weather plant that thrives in spring and fall. It tends to bolt (flower and go to seed) in the heat of summer.

Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Fertilizing Requirements: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting and supplement with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer if leaves begin to yellow.

Pest/Disease Threats: Spinach is a hardy plant, but is slightly susceptible to downy mildew and pests like aphids and leaf miners. Regular monitoring and organic pest control methods will keep things in control.

Dinosaur Kale

Scientific name: Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia (also known as Lacinato kale, Toscano kale, and cavolo nero)

When to Plant Seeds: Plant in early spring or late summer, as kale prefers cooler temperatures.

First Harvest: Ready to harvest in about 60 to 65 days, though young leaves can be picked earlier.

Flavor Profile: Dinosaur kale — so called because of its pebbly texture resembling dinosaur skin — offers a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, less bitter than other kale varieties.

Seasonal Growth: It is a cool-weather crop but can tolerate heat better than many greens, and will continue to produce abundantly through summer into fall.

Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

Fertilizing Requirements: Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer at planting and mid-season for continuous growth.

Pest/Disease Threats: Watch out for cabbage loopers, flea beetles, aphids, and black rot. Use row covers to protect young plants and practice crop rotation season over season to minimize disease.

Arugula

Scientific name: Eruca savita (also known as rocquette, rocket, and garden rocket).

When to Plant Seeds: Sow arugula seeds in early spring or fall. It germinates best with soil temperatures between 40°F and 55°F.

First Harvest: Arugula is fast-growing, ready to harvest in about 30 to 40 days.

Flavor Profile: Known for its peppery, slightly spicy taste, which adds a bold flavor to salads. I like to pick it small, when its peppery taste is fresh and vegetal.

Seasonal Growth: Prefers cool weather and may bolt in hot summer temperatures.

Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun but appreciates partial shade in hot weather to prevent bolting.

Fertilizing Requirements: A light application of a balanced, organic fertilizer at planting is usually sufficient. Arugula does not require heavy feeding.

Pest/Disease Threats: Flea beetles and aphids can be problematic. Floating row covers and regular watering can help deter pests.

Red Oak Leaf Lettuce

Scientific name: Lactuca sativa

When to Plant Seeds: Ideal planting times are spring and fall, with soil temperatures between 45°F and 65°F.

First Harvest: Generally ready for harvest in 45 to 55 days.

Flavor Profile: Has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it a versatile lettuce for various salads. It’s one of my very favorites, thanks to its tender, buttery texture.

Seasonal Growth: It’s a cool-season crop but can be grown in partial shade during warmer months to extend its season.

Sunlight Requirements: Performs best in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, shade can help delay bolting.

Fertilizing Requirements: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth.

Pest/Disease Threats: Susceptible to slugs and snails, especially in damp conditions. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can occur; ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Buttercrunch Lettuce

Scientific name: Lactuca sativa.

When to Plant Seeds: Plant in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Soil temperature should be between 45°F and 65°F.

First Harvest: Ready to pick in about 55 to 60 days.

Flavor Profile: Features a sweet, buttery taste with a crisp texture, often considered one of the most flavorful lettuces. This is a great lettuce to use as lettuce wraps because of its rounder shape and sturdy, concave leaves.

Seasonal Growth: A cool-weather plant that can tolerate mild heat, but it will require shade during the hottest part of summer.

Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun but needs some shade in hot, sunny climates to prevent bolting.

Fertilizing Requirements: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting, and consider a mid-season boost for continuous harvesting.

Pest/Disease Threats: Keep an eye out for aphids and bunnies. Use floating row covers for protection and encourage beneficial insects to visit your garden.

Romaine Lettuce

Scientific name: Lactuca sativa var. longifolia (also known as cos lettuce).

When to Plant Seeds: Best planted in early spring or fall, with optimal soil temperatures around 40°F to 75°F.

First Harvest: Harvest time is around 65 to 70 days for full heads, but young leaves can be picked earlier.

Flavor Profile: Crisp and slightly bitter, romaine is a staple for Caesar salads and other dishes requiring a crunchy texture. Romaine can also withstand heat from the grill — it’s fabulous grilled with shrimp!

Seasonal Growth: Prefers cooler weather but can grow into the warm season with partial shade and adequate water.

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade is ideal, with protection from intense afternoon sun in warmer regions.

Fertilizing Requirements: Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer every 4 weeks. Romaine benefits from consistent nutrient levels.

Pest/Disease Threats: Susceptible to tip burn and bolting in high heat. Watch for aphids and leaf miners. Good sanitation and water management can reduce disease risks.

Swiss Chard

Scientific name: Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris.

When to Plant Seeds: Plant seeds in early spring through mid-summer for a continuous harvest. Soil temperatures should be between 50°F and 85°F.

First Harvest: Ready to harvest in 50 to 60 days, with the option to pick young leaves earlier.

Flavor Profile: Swiss chard offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The leaves are tender, while the stalks are crisp and fibrous and can sport bold, rainbow colors. Texture-wise for a salad, it’s better to strip the leaves from the stalks and either discard the stalks or use them for another purpose (e.g., they can be sauteed like celery in an aromatic mix).

Seasonal Growth: Chard is fairly heat-tolerant and will continue to produce leaves throughout the summer, especially if given some shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Swiss chard can tolerate heat if given some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Fertilizing Requirements: Enrich soil with compost at planting and use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Pest/Disease Threats: Prone to leaf miners and beet leafhoppers. Preventative measures include using row covers and removing affected leaves promptly.

With so many delicious choices, you’re sure to find the perfect salad greens for your taste buds. For more tips for using up these gorgeous greens, learn more about creating beautiful and tasty salads on my food blog, SoupAddict.com.

Whether you have a spacious garden or a small balcony for containers, these greens will thrive and bring the joy of gardening to your backyard. Happy Planting!