What Vegetables Are Perennials?

Most vegetable plants are annuals, living out their entire lifespan from seed to harvest in a single year. Some vegetables, however, come back every spring, depending on the climate. With proper care, these hardy, perennial vegetables may produce for many years. As an added bonus, many are considered attractive plants that add variety and interest to a garden. Dedicate a separate space in your garden for perennial vegetables, which generally require less attention and maintenance than traditional annual vegetables.

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) requires two or three years to develop before the first harvest, but once the plant is established, it produces reliably every year for as long as 20 years with minimal maintenance. This perennial vegetable thrives in cool-winter climates and full sunlight or partial shade. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9.

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is grown for its roots, which are harvested in fall and winter. The gnarly roots are peeled and ground for use as a spicy condiment for meats and other dishes. Its strappy leaves, which reach heights of up to 4 feet, are inedible but suitable for the compost bin. Horseradish, which thrives in partial shade or full sunlight, is a cool-season plant that is perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8.

A drought-tolerant perennial, sorrel (Rumex scutatus and Rumex acetosa) is a spinachlike plant best harvested in spring. Its tangy leaves are often used for cooking or salads. This hardy plant, which tolerates full sunlight or partial shade, self-seeds readily and can be invasive. Regular clipping of its seed heads, however, helps to keep the plant's spread in check. Sorrel is perennial in USDA zones 4 through 9. (Ref. 2)

Rhubarb (Rheum x cultorum or Rheum rhabarbarum) is grown for its tangy stalks, which are used to make jams, pies and sauces. Although the stalks are safe to eat, the plant's clumps of huge, ruffled leaves are highly toxic. This sun-loving plant thrives in cool winters and is perennial in USDA plant zones 3 through 8. Rhubarb often shares a planting bed with horseradish or other long-lived perennial.

Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a versatile perennial vegetable that produces upright clumps of bristly foliage. Its purple, thistlelike blooms appear in early summer and turn into tender artichokes by autumn. Globe artichoke, which performs well in partial shade or full sunlight, requires more maintenance than most perennials. Although the plant tolerates frost, it won't survive a hard freeze. Globe artichoke is perennial in USDA zones 6 through 9.