7 Perennial Vegetables to Plant for Delicious Harvests Year After Year

Rhubarb

Rhubarb has a uniquely tart flavor that's almost sour, and that tastes delicious in pies and other desserts. It's also a perennial, going dormant in the winter and reemerging in the spring.

However, when harvesting it, make sure to only keep the stalks for cooking and eating. "The leaves of the plant contain high amounts of oxalic acid that can make people sick," says Damon Abdi, professor of landscape horticulture at Louisiana State University. He recommends immediately removing these after harvesting.

Another method for growing rhubarb is forcing, which produces "tender, sweet, and early-season stalks," says Luay Ghafari, creator and recipe developer at Urban Farm and Kitchen.

"Cover the rhubarb crown with a bucket, pot, or special ceramic terracotta forcer to block out light and create warmth," he adds. "The stalks grow quickly as they search for light, which results in pink, slender stalks with a delicate texture and milder flavor."

• Zone: 3 to 8
• Mature size: 2 to 3 feet high x 3 to 4 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; rich, well-drained soil; maintain consistently moist soil

Asparagus

Asparagus is a hardy perennial that will come back year after year after year—sometimes for over a decade, says Ghafari. It's also relatively easy to grow, so long as you choose the right spot in the garden and do soil tests to make sure it has enough nutrients as the years pass.

"Spears that are allowed to grow will develop leaves and can create tall ferns which can shade the rest of the garden," adds Abdi. "So be wary of where you locate it."

• Zones: 3 to 8
• Size: Up to 8 feet tall x 5 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; moderate water; well-drained soil

Garlic Chives

Looking for a delicious garnish that will grow year after year? Garlic chives are a wonderful option.

"They grow from small underground bulbs and form clumps of flat leaves or blades with a mild garlic flavor," says Ghafari. "They are used heavily in Asian cuisine, but have many other applications."

Chives emerge in early spring and can be harvested throughout the season; later in the summer, they produce tall flower stalks. While the stalks themselves aren't particularly appetizing, the white flowers are edible. "They can be used as a garnish," Ghafari says.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

Artichoke

Artichokes can be enjoyed in so many ways, whether stuffed, grilled, baked, or steamed. These delicious vegetables can be harvested in spring or summer after being transplanted in the fall.

"Once harvest is finished, sever the stems to just above the soil level, forcing the plant into a dormant stage for the summer," says Abdi. "Make sure that the most vigorously growing shoots remain on the old plant, allowing it to produce a crop for the next cycle."

• Zones: 7 to 11
• Mature Size: 3 to 6 feet tall by 4 to 5 feet wide
• Care Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil

Horseradish

Horseradish can be a bit of an acquired taste, but it's a wonderful perennial that can return year after year in the garden. The edible part is the root, so when harvesting, remove only some of it, while maintaining the rest so the plant can continue to grow.

"It's generally harvested later in the year—especially after a good frost," says Abdi. "When processing horseradish, it's good to grate the roots outside, as the pungent aroma can be overwhelming indoors."

He notes that the best roots are the one-year-old ones—more mature roots can become woody and hollow.

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Size: 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide 
• Care requirements: Full sunlight, well-draining soil

Red-Veined Sorrel

Red-veined sorrel is a wonderful, low-maintenance vegetable that tastes delicious in salads. "I pretty much leave it alone other than harvesting leaves to eat, and watering it along with the rest of my garden when it's hot," says Marcus Bridgewater, founder of Garden Marcus. "It seems to takes care of itself."

The leafy green can even stand up to harsher weather conditions. "I even thought it was gone after the snow and freezes in the winter," he adds. "It surprised me and came back stronger than ever, and we've been harvesting the leaves every week to enjoy."

• Zones: 3 to 8
• Size: 12 inches tall x 18 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; nutrient-rich, moist soil

Watercress

Watercress needs moisture in order to thrive, so as long as you water regularly or plant it in a moist area, it will produce delicious greens for years. Plant it in early spring for best results—its distinct, peppery flavor tastes delicious in soups, salads, and even sandwiches.

• Zone: 5 to 9
• Height at maturity: 12 inches
• Care requirements: Part sun to full shade; moist soil