Every garden needs some greens to complement the root vegetables and juicy summer crops.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re hoping to expand the leafy garden greens in your vegetable patch, there are so many different types you can grow whether your goal is health or simply variety.<\/p>\n
You can easily fill your veggie patch with these nutritious plants, some of which may be brand new to you.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Best-Leafy-Greens-Feature.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links,\u00a0<\/em>we may earn a commission<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n With the help of this article, you can expand your options by choosing from our list of 17 favorite types of leafy garden greens.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find both warm- and cool-season options, and plants that may be familiar to you or completely new.<\/p>\n For each vegetable, I\u2019ll cover when to grow it, the flavor profile and culinary uses, and a cultivar of interest worth trying.<\/p>\n In addition, I\u2019ll provide information about where to source seeds.<\/p>\n Ready to get started? Here\u2019s what I\u2019ll cover:<\/p>\n Also known as roquette, arugula (Eruca vesicaria<\/em>) is a peppery green that tastes perfect in salads or sprinkled fresh over steaming hot pizza.<\/p>\n This member of the mustard family grows well in cool weather, but many types continue to produce harvests even in hot summers.<\/p>\n \u2019Rocky\u2019 Wild Arugula<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n One of the best arugula varieties is \u2018Rocky,\u2019 a type of wild roquette that overwinters as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 10. It\u2019s ready to harvest in just one month.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find \u2018Rocky\u2019 wild arugula seeds available at Botanical Interests<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about growing arugula here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n You may already love beets (Beta vulgaris<\/em>) for their delicious ruby colored roots, but perhaps you tend to toss their edible tops into the compost.<\/p>\n Not so fast! Beet greens are well worth eating, with an earthy flavor very similar to that of Swiss chard.<\/p>\n This cool season crop can be served up with rice and beans, or incorporated into savory soups.<\/p>\n Most beet varieties will produce edible foliage<\/a><\/strong> but some are better known for their greens<\/a><\/strong> than others.<\/p>\n \u2018Lutz\u2019 Dual Purpose Beets<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Lutz\u2019 is one with a reputation for producing both scrumptious roots and greens. Count on a harvest in 65 days.<\/p>\n You can purchase \u2018Lutz\u2019 beet seeds in a variety of packet sizes at Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Check out our guide to growing beets here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve never tried growing it, bok choy (Brassica rapa <\/em>subsp. chinensis<\/em>) deserves a spot in your garden.<\/p>\n This cool-season crop is perfect for making stir fries with tender leaves and a mild mustard flavor.<\/p>\n \u2018Shanghai\u2019 Bok Choy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n There are so many different types of delicious bok choy you can grow in your backyard, including \u2018Shanghai,\u2019 a variety that matures in 45 days.<\/p>\n You can purchase \u2018Shanghai\u2019 bok choy seeds in an array of packet sizes at High Mowing Seeds<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about growing bok choy here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n It may seem like a waste of garden real estate to grow cabbage (Brassica oleracea <\/em>var. capitata<\/em>) when it\u2019s relatively cheap to buy, but you can grow many varieties at home that you\u2019d never find even at a farmer\u2019s market.<\/p>\n These versatile brassicas can be cooked into hearty stews or shredded into refreshing summer coleslaw.<\/p>\n And when you choose a cabbage variety<\/a><\/strong> like \u2018Deadon\u2019 you\u2019ll also discover a gorgeous sight in the garden.<\/p>\n \u2018Deadon\u2019 Cabbage<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Deadon\u2019 is a hybrid variety that bears striking purplish-green heads that grow to four or five pounds each, and are ready to harvest in 105 days.<\/p>\n Grab the pack size of your choice of \u2018Deadon\u2019 hybrid cabbage seeds at High Mowing Organic Seeds<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about growing cabbage<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n No self-respecting southern garden should go without a patch of collards (Brassica oleracea<\/em> var. acephala<\/em>), a cool-season staple of country gardens long before kale stormed the gardening scene.<\/p>\n These leafy garden greens are delicious with beans and rice, and there are numerous health benefits of homegrown collard greens<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u2018Georgia\u2019 Collards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n There are many different collard varieties to grow at home<\/a><\/strong>, and \u2018Georgia\u2019 is my of our favorites, thanks to its mild flavor and tender greens. \u2018Georgia\u2019 matures in 70 days.<\/p>\n You can find \u2018Georgia\u2019 seeds in several packet sizes available at High Mowing Organic Seeds<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about growing collard greens here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n With earthy and peppery flavors already covered, it\u2019s time to introduce a bitter flavor with endive aka escarole (Cichorium endivia<\/em>).<\/p>\n This garden green is wonderful in fresh salads, but can also be sauteed and served hot.<\/p>\n Endive is a cool-season crop, but you can find varieties that hold up well in hot weather, such as \u2018Curlesi.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Curlesi\u2019 Curly Endive<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This ruffled-leaf variety matures in just 52 days.<\/p>\n You can find \u2018Curlesi\u2019 endive seeds in multiple packet sizes available at High Mowing Seeds<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Check out our guide to growing curly endive to learn more<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n When you select plants to grow for your edible garden, keep in mind that there are also some humble options you can choose from, such as dandelions (Taraxacum officinale<\/em>).<\/p>\n This well-known yellow flower with globe shaped seed heads isn\u2019t just a weed that interrupts your otherwise pristine green lawn, it\u2019s also edible.<\/p>\n There are numerous ways to use dandelions for food and medicine<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Dandelion Greens<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The leaves have a distinctively pungent, slightly bitter flavor and can be used in sautes, salads, teas, and more.<\/p>\n You may already have some growing in your garden, but if you want to start a dedicated patch, you can purchase dandelion seeds in several packet sizes at True Leaf Market<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn how to grow and harvest dandelions for greens here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Kale (Brassica oleracea\u00a0<\/em>var.\u00a0<\/em>acephala<\/em>) <\/strong>is one of the staples of the healthy icebox, and it\u2019ll add fiber and color to your meals whether you eat it raw in salads or cooked with other homegrown veggies.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a cool season leafy garden green that pairs well with a selection of companion plants for a beautiful raised bed.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t yet have a favorite type of kale, consider \u2018Dazzling Blue,\u2019 a lacinato variety<\/a><\/strong> that has long blueish green leaves and is as gorgeous as it is tasty.<\/p>\n \u2018Dazzling Blue\u2019 Kale<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Plus, it is extra cold-tolerant and will be ready to start harvesting in just 30 days.<\/p>\n Grab a pack of \u2018Dazzling Blue\u2019 lacinato kale seeds in packets of 114 at Botanical Interests<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Our guide to growing kale<\/a><\/strong> has more information.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re the type of gardener who hasn\u2019t yet ventured much beyond growing tomato and squash transplants from your local nursery, it might be time to add some lettuce to your beds.<\/p>\n Leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa<\/em>) <\/em>is a wonderful option for cut-and-come-again harvests, and will form the foundation of the freshest salads you\u2019ll ever eat.<\/p>\n If you end up growing more than you can eat raw, keep in mind that leaf lettuce can be saut\u00e9ed, steamed, or added to soups.<\/p>\n \u2018Black Seeded Simpson\u2019 Leaf Lettuce<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Black Seeded Simpson\u2019 is a tried-and-true variety that produces ruffled green leaves on open heads that are ready to harvest in under 45 days.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find \u2018Black Seeded Simpson\u2019 leaf lettuce seeds available for purchase in a variety of packet sizes at High Mowing Seeds<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Read more about growing lettuce here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for something new and exciting for your salad bowl beyond lettuce, give mache (Valerianella locusta<\/em>)<\/em> a try.<\/p>\n Also known as corn salad and lamb lettuce, is one of the best hardy salad greens for winter gardens<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Mache is a popular salad green in France, with plants forming small rosettes that have a mild, nutty flavor, and a crisp texture.<\/p>\n Few mache varieties are available in the US, but \u2018Vit\u2019 is one of the easier varieties to find.<\/p>\n \u2018Vit\u2019 Mache<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Vit has a nutty flavor, and the same lovely textures fans of this vegetable adore. It\u2019s ready to harvest in 50 days.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u2018Vit\u2019 mache seeds are available in a wide selection of pack sizes at High Mowing Seeds<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Malabar spinach (Basella alba<\/em>) is a welcome summer substitute for gardeners who miss spinach when the weather warms up.<\/p>\n It has a flavor similar to spinach and can be cooked in many of the same recipes: souffles, stews, or savory pastries.<\/p>\n Red Stem Malabar Spinach<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Red stem Malabar spinach has beautiful violet-red colored stems that contrast with its green leaves, and it\u2019s ready to harvest in just 60 days.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find red stem Malabar spinach seeds available at True Leaf Market<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about Malabar spinach in our growing guide<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t shy away from strong, bold flavors, you will love growing mustard greens (Brassica juncea<\/em>) in your garden.<\/p>\n The ruffled leaves add a strong mustardy taste to soups and stir fries, or cook up a big pot and serve them as a side to rice and beans.<\/p>\n There are many varieties of mustard greens, and you can grow them all in your cool-season garden.<\/p>\n \u2018Red Giant\u2019 Mustards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n One favorite is \u2018Red Giant,\u2019 a cultivar with huge, purplish-red leaves, ready to harvest in just 45 days.<\/p>\n Pick up \u2018Red Giant\u2019 mustard seeds in various pack sizes at High Mowing Organic Seeds<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about growing mustard greens<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Napa cabbage (Brassica rapa <\/em>subsp. pekinensis<\/em>), also known as Chinese cabbage, is a staple of Asian stir fries, but also tastes lovely chopped into fresh summer salads.<\/p>\n Its flavor is a bit milder than that of green cabbage.<\/p>\n This heading vegetable grows best in mild weather so you may want to choose a bolt-resistant variety, such as \u2018One Kilo Slow Bolt.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018One Kilo Slow Bolt\u2019 Napa Cabbage<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This is one of the best napa cabbage cultivars to grow at home<\/a><\/strong>, and it will be ready to harvest in under 55 days.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find \u2018One Kilo Slow Bolt\u2019 seeds available in packets of 65 at Botanical Interests<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Consult our guide to growing napa cabbage to learn more<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Love it or hate it, spinach (Spinacia oleracea<\/em>) is a cool season garden staple.<\/p>\n Whether you pick the leaves young for spring salads or let them size up for cooked dishes, spinach delivers a distinctly earthy, slightly mineral flavor that intensifies when saut\u00e9ed and mellows when eaten raw.<\/p>\n It\u2019s equally at home in salads, soups, frittatas, and pasta.<\/p>\n \u2018Bloomsdale\u2019 Spinach<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Bloomsdale\u2019 is one of the best spinach cultivars<\/a><\/strong>, so I highly recommend you start with this one. It produces savoyed, dark green leaves, and matures in about 48 days.<\/p>\n \u2018Bloomsdale\u2019 spinach seeds are available at Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n17 of the Best Leafy Greens for the Garden<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
1. Arugula<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Wild-Rocket.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Wild-Rocket.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n2. Beet Greens<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lutz-Green-Leaf-Beets.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lutz-Green-Leaf-Beets.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n3. Bok Choy<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Shanghai-Green-Bok-Choy.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Shanghai-Green-Bok-Choy.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n4. Cabbage<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Deadon-Cabbage.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Deadon-Cabbage.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n5. Collards<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Georgia-Collard-Greens.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Georgia-Collard-Greens.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n6. Curly Endive<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Curlesi-Endive.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Curlesi-Endive.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n7. Dandelion Greens<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Dandelion-Plants.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Dandelion-Plants.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n8. Kale<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Dazzling-Blue-Kale.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Dazzling-Blue-Kale.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n9. Leaf Lettuce<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Black-Seeded-Lettuce.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Black-Seeded-Lettuce.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n10. Mache<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Vit-Mache.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Vit-Mache.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n11. Malabar Spinach<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Red-Stem-Malabar-Spinach.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Red-Stem-Malabar-Spinach.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n12. Mustard Greens<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Red-Giant-Mustard-Greens.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Red-Giant-Mustard-Greens.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n13. Napa Cabbage<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/One-Kilo-Slow-Bolt-Napa-Cabbage.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/One-Kilo-Slow-Bolt-Napa-Cabbage.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n14. Spinach<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Bloomsdale-Long-Spinach.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Bloomsdale-Long-Spinach.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Improved-Rainbow-Chard.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Improved-Rainbow-Chard.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n