Growing unusual vegetables might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need a green thumb or a huge garden to try something different with your plants.
Many unique vegetables are surprisingly easy to grow and can add variety to your meals and garden without a lot of extra effort. With a bit of guidance, you can enjoy fresh, uncommon veggies right from your own backyard.
Cucamelons (Mouse Melons)
Cucamelons, also called mouse melons, look like tiny watermelons but taste like cucumbers with a hint of lime. You can grow them easily in your garden or containers. They’re pretty low maintenance and produce lots of small, crunchy fruits. If you want a fun, unusual veggie to grow, cucamelons are a solid choice.
Rat Tail Radish
If you’re looking for something different, rat tail radish is a great pick. The root isn’t meant to be eaten, but you get tasty seed pods instead.
It grows fast and keeps producing pods well after typical radishes stop. Plus, it handles heat better, so it’s less likely to bolt early in summer.
Purple Magic Broccoli
If you want a broccoli that looks as good as it tastes, Purple Magic Broccoli is a solid pick. Its heads have a cool, bright purple color that shows up on the stems and leaves too.
It grows best in cooler weather and can even get sweeter after a frost. Plus, it’s pretty easy to manage, making it great for gardeners new to unusual veggies.
Jerusalem Artichokes (Sunchokes)
If you want a low-maintenance vegetable, Jerusalem artichokes are a solid choice. They grow well in poor soil and don’t need much attention.
These tubers store well and offer a good source of carbs. Plus, they’re drought-tolerant, making them great if you’re not great at regular watering. They’re often called “survival crops” for a reason.
Yardlong Beans
Yardlong beans are fun to grow and can stretch nearly a yard long, though they usually reach about 75cm. You’ll find them great for snacking or cooking.
They’re pretty reliable, even if it’s your first time growing beans. Kids often love picking these long beans because they’re so unusual to see in a garden.
Oyster Plant (Salsify)
If you want to try growing something different, oyster plant, also known as salsify, might be a good choice. It’s a root vegetable that grows similarly to carrots or parsnips.
The root looks long and thin, with a beige outside and white inside. It’s pretty low maintenance, which makes it easy for you to grow in your garden.
Tree Collards
Tree collards are a neat perennial vegetable that can grow over 6 feet tall. You’ll find their mild leaves great for cooking, especially if you want something different from regular greens.
They’re pretty low maintenance and even make good mulch after harvesting. If you want a tall, tasty plant that keeps coming back, tree collards are worth trying.
Chufa (Tiger Nuts)
If you want to try something different, chufa, also called tiger nuts, is worth a shot. It’s a grass that grows small, sweet tubers underground.
You plant the tubers, and with some patience, you get a unique, edible crop. Just know their germination rate can be a bit spotty, so don’t get discouraged.
Egyptian Onions
If you want a low-maintenance vegetable, Egyptian onions are a great pick. You just plant the small bulbils that form at the top of the stalks, no seeds needed.
Place them about an inch deep and a few inches apart. They multiply fast and can keep coming back year after year with little effort.
Psychedelic Cauliflower
You might be surprised by the colorful varieties of cauliflower out there. Psychedelic cauliflower features vibrant hues like purple, orange, and green that brighten up your garden and your plate.
It grows much like regular cauliflower, so if you’ve had success with the classic kind, this one should be pretty easy. Plus, it’s a fun way to add some visual interest to your vegetable lineup.