Starting leafy greens indoors means fresh, homegrown salads long before the outdoor garden wakes up. These fast-growing plants thrive with a little head start, giving you tender, flavorful leaves in no time.
Plus, with the right picks, you can keep the harvest going for months without running out. It’s an easy way to enjoy crisp, delicious greens straight from your own kitchen. Let’s go over the best ones to start now so you can keep those salads coming!
1. Arugula
Imagine a zesty kick awakening your taste buds – that’s arugula for you! Arugula leaves bring a peppery zest to salads and are easy to grow indoors.
Simply plant the seeds in a pot with well-draining soil and place them near a sunny window. Water regularly and watch as these spicy greens thrive in your indoor garden, ready to add a flavorful punch to your salads.
2. Spinach
Picture the lush, green leaves that are a staple in any healthy salad. Spinach can easily be grown indoors, making it a go-to choice for your salad garden.
Start by planting seeds in rich soil, ensuring they receive ample sunlight. With regular watering, your spinach will flourish, providing tender leaves perfect for salads and smoothies alike.
3. Kale
Envision a nutrient powerhouse with a distinctive curly texture. Kale is perfect for indoor growing, providing a continuous supply of rich, leafy greens.
Plant seeds in a deep container with good soil and place under a grow light if natural sunlight is scarce. Keep the soil moist, and soon you’ll have a bounty of kale for salads, chips, or soups.
4. Lettuce
A salad staple that offers versatility in flavor and texture. Lettuce is incredibly easy to grow indoors, ensuring a fresh supply all year round.
Use containers with drainage holes, fill them with potting soil, and plant the seeds. Position them in a sunny spot, water consistently, and enjoy a bountiful harvest of crisp, tender leaves.
5. Swiss Chard
A burst of color with a delightful crunch. Swiss chard not only adds visual appeal but also nutrition to your salads.
To start, sow seeds in containers filled with nutrient-rich soil, and place them in a sunny area. Regular watering will help these vibrant greens flourish, adding a rainbow of color to your indoor garden.
6. Watercress
A refreshing, peppery green that thrives in water. Watercress is an excellent indoor plant, especially if you have a small water feature.
Plant seeds in a container with rich, moist soil and keep it in a sunny location. Ensure the soil stays wet, and soon you’ll have a continuous supply of this crisp green for your culinary creations.
7. Mustard Greens
These greens add a spicy kick to any dish. Mustard greens grow quickly indoors and are perfect for spicing up salads.
Sow seeds in well-draining soil, and place them where they can get plenty of light. Keep them watered, and enjoy a harvest of bold, flavorful leaves in no time.
8. Collard Greens
A Southern favorite that provides a robust, earthy flavor. Collard greens are well-suited for indoor gardening.
Start with seeds in nutrient-rich soil, situated in a place with good light. Regular watering and care will yield sturdy leaves ideal for salads or traditional dishes.
9. Endive
For a touch of elegance with a hint of bitterness, turn to endive. Endive can be successfully grown indoors, adding a gourmet touch to your salads.
Plant seeds in small pots with well-draining soil and place in a sunny area. Keep the soil consistently moist, and you’ll have a sophisticated green to impress your guests.
10. Romaine Lettuce
Crisp, refreshing, and perfect for any Caesar salad. Romaine lettuce can thrive indoors with the right care.
Simply plant seeds in a deep container filled with quality soil, and place them in a sunny location. Water consistently, and you’ll soon enjoy the crunchy, flavorful leaves that make romaine a salad favorite.
11. Radicchio
Add some dramatic flair and a slightly bitter bite with radicchio. Radicchio’s striking red leaves are a winning choice for indoor gardens.
Plant the seeds in rich soil, and ensure they get plenty of light and water. With care, you’ll have a visually stunning green that’s perfect for salads and garnishes.
12. Mizuna
A tender, mild-flavored green that’s a breeze to grow. Mizuna is a graceful addition to your indoor salad garden.
Start with seeds in well-draining soil, and place them near a sunny window. Keep the soil moist, and watch as these delicate greens flourish, ready to enhance your salads with their subtle flavor.
13. Pea Shoots
Sweet, tender, and delightfully crunchy, pea shoots are a treat. These greens are quick to grow and add a fresh flavor to any salad.
Plant seeds in shallow trays with rich soil, and place them in a bright spot. With daily watering, you’ll enjoy these delicate shoots within weeks, perfect for adding texture and taste.
14. Cress
Packed with a peppery punch, cress is a favorite for spicing up salads. This quick-growing green can thrive indoors with minimal fuss.
Simply scatter seeds on moist soil and place in a sunny spot. Keep the soil damp, and within days, you’ll have a spicy, lush green ready to harvest.
15. Bok Choy
A delightful fusion of crunch and tenderness, bok choy is versatile in salads and stir-fries. Growing bok choy indoors is simple and rewarding.
Plant seeds in deep pots with nutrient-rich soil, and ensure they receive ample sunlight. Regular watering will result in robust, delicious greens ready to enhance your meals.
16. Sorrel
Tart and lemony, sorrel adds a unique zing to your dishes. Sorrel can be easily grown indoors, providing a fresh twist to your salads.
Plant seeds in containers with good drainage, and position them in a sunny location. Keep the soil consistently moist, and soon you’ll be enjoying these tangy greens in your culinary adventures.
17. Chicory
For those with a taste for the slightly bitter, chicory is a must-try. This leafy green is perfect for indoor gardening and adds depth to salads.
Sow seeds in well-draining soil in a sunny spot, and water regularly. With proper care, you’ll have chicory leaves ready to bring a sophisticated edge to your meals.
18. Tat Soi
With its rich color and mild flavor, tat soi is a delightful addition to any salad. This Asian green grows well indoors, thriving in containers.
Plant seeds in nutrient-rich soil, and ensure they get plenty of light. Regular watering will help tat soi flourish, offering tender leaves for your culinary creations.
19. Mâche
This tender green thrives in cool conditions and has a mild, nutty flavor. It grows in small rosettes and is perfect for salads.
Sow seeds in moist, well-draining soil and keep them in a cool spot for germination. Provide indirect light and thin seedlings to allow proper growth.
20. Komatsuna
Also known as Japanese mustard spinach, this green has a mild taste and grows quickly. It’s versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Start seeds in rich, moist soil and keep them warm for fast germination. Give seedlings plenty of light and space them out as they grow.
21. Escarole
This leafy green has a slightly bitter flavor and a crisp texture. It’s great for adding depth to salads or sautéing.
Sow seeds in moist soil with good drainage and provide steady moisture. Place them in a sunny spot and thin young plants for better air circulation.
22. Celtuce
A unique green with both edible leaves and thick, crunchy stems. It has a mild, slightly nutty taste and is great for stir-fries.
Plant seeds in loose, fertile soil and keep them evenly moist. Give seedlings plenty of light and transplant them when they develop strong roots.
23. Iceberg Lettuce
A classic crisphead lettuce with tightly packed leaves and a refreshing crunch. It grows best in cooler conditions and adds texture to salads.
Sow seeds in shallow soil and keep them consistently moist for even germination. Provide bright light and thin seedlings as needed.
24. Lamb’s Lettuce
Also called corn salad, this green has small, tender leaves with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s a great cold-weather crop that thrives indoors.
Scatter seeds over moist soil and cover lightly with a thin layer of compost. Keep them cool and provide indirect light for steady growth.
25. Oak Leaf Lettuce
This loose-leaf lettuce has soft, ruffled leaves and a mild, buttery taste. It’s a fast grower and great for cut-and-come-again harvesting.
Plant seeds in well-draining soil and keep them lightly watered. Ensure good airflow and provide bright light to prevent legginess.
26. Red Veined Sorrel
This vibrant green has tangy, lemony leaves with striking red veins. It’s a perennial that grows well in containers.
Sow seeds in moist soil and keep them in a warm spot for fast germination. Provide steady moisture and bright light to encourage healthy growth.
27. Land Cress
A peppery, fast-growing green that tastes similar to watercress. It’s an excellent choice for salads and sandwiches.
Sow seeds in damp soil and press them gently into the surface. Keep them consistently moist and provide indirect light for steady growth.
28. Tokyo Bekana
A loose-leaf Chinese cabbage with delicate, tender leaves. It grows quickly and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Plant seeds in well-draining soil and mist them lightly to keep moisture levels steady. Give seedlings bright, indirect light and thin as needed.