Plants that grow really fast are the answer when you need a screen, a filled border, or a quick harvest within a single season. Some are annuals that sprint from seed to flower in weeks, others are vigorous perennials and shrubs that add several feet a year, and a few are famously aggressive growers that need space to run.

Choosing a fast-growing plant depends on what you need it to do. A privacy screen calls for tall, quick shrubs, a vegetable bed suits fast annuals, and a bare wall suits climbers that cover quickly. Light, water, climate, and whether the plant is invasive in your region all change which fast growers are the right choice rather than a future problem.

Planting and management decide whether quick growth is a gift or a headache. Giving roots room, watering deeply during establishment, providing support for climbers, and pruning at the right time channel fast growth where you want it, while crowding plants or ignoring spread habits turns vigor into a maintenance burden. Get those wrong and the result is a plant that overtakes the garden instead of filling it.

In this guide, we review 30 of the plants that grow really fast options by examining growth rate, use, and what each one needs to perform.

Plants That Grow Really Fast: 30 Top Options

1. Bamboo – Best Overall Plants That Grow Really Fast

Bamboo is the best overall plants that grow really fast because running and clumping varieties can add several feet in a single season and create a dense screen within two years. It suits gardeners who need height and privacy quickly.

Plant clumping bamboo in full sun with rich, well-drained soil and water deeply through the first season. Choose clumping varieties unless you install a root barrier, since running bamboo spreads aggressively.

Bamboo plants from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want a fast privacy screen.

2. Sunflower – Best Fast-Growing Annual Flower

Sunflower is the best fast-growing annual flower because it sprints from seed to bloom in about ten weeks and reaches impressive height in a single season. It suits gardeners who want quick, cheerful color.

Sow seed directly in full sun after the last frost, spacing plants a foot apart, and water regularly while stems are young. Stake tall varieties so they do not topple in wind.

Sunflower seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast summer color.

3. Morning Glory – Best Fast-Growing Flowering Vine

Morning glory is the best fast-growing flowering vine because it covers a trellis or fence within weeks and blooms continuously through summer. It suits gardeners who want quick vertical coverage.

Soak seed overnight before sowing, then plant at the base of a trellis in full sun and water regularly. Provide a sturdy support, since vines grow quickly and become heavy.

Morning glory seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast climbing color.

4. Sweet Pea – Best Fast-Growing Fragrant Climber

Sweet pea is the best fast-growing fragrant climber because it climbs quickly and fills the garden with scent within a few months of sowing. It suits gardeners who want a quick, perfumed screen.

Sow seed in deep pots in late winter or early spring, then plant out at a trellis once frost passes. Water regularly and pick flowers often to keep the vines producing.

Sweet pea seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast fragrance.

5. Nasturtium – Best Fast-Growing Edible Flower

Nasturtium is the best fast-growing edible flower because it spreads quickly from seed and both leaves and flowers are edible. It suits gardeners who want quick groundcover with kitchen value.

Sow seed directly in poor to average soil in full sun, since rich soil pushes leaves over flowers. Water during dry spells and let plants sprawl or climb a low support.

Nasturtium seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast edible color.

6. Zucchini – Best Fast-Growing Vegetable

Zucchini is the best fast-growing vegetable because it goes from seed to harvest in about fifty days and produces abundantly. It suits gardeners who want quick, reliable food.

Sow seed directly in rich, warm soil in full sun after frost passes, spacing plants generously. Water deeply and harvest often to keep fruit coming.

Zucchini seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast summer harvests.

7. Radish – Best Fast-Growing Root Crop

Radish is the best fast-growing root crop because it matures in as little as three weeks from seed. It suits gardeners who want quick harvests between slower crops.

Sow seed thinly in loose soil in full sun, keeping rows a few inches apart, and water consistently so roots do not split. Harvest promptly once roots reach size, before they turn woody.

Radish seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want ultra-fast harvests.

8. Lettuce – Best Fast-Growing Leafy Green

Lettuce is the best fast-growing leafy green because loose-leaf types can be harvested in about a month and regrow after cutting. It suits gardeners who want quick salads from small spaces.

Sow seed in cool weather in rich, moist soil, and keep the surface damp until germination. Harvest outer leaves first so the plant keeps producing.

Lettuce seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast salad crops.

9. Beans – Best Fast-Growing Climbing Vegetable

Beans are the best fast-growing climbing vegetable because pole varieties climb quickly and produce pods within two months. They suit gardeners who want vertical food production.

Sow seed after frost in warm soil at the base of a trellis, and water regularly while pods form. Pick beans often to keep plants producing through summer.

Pole bean seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast climbing crops.

10. Cucumber – Best Fast-Growing Vining Vegetable

Cucumber is the best fast-growing vining vegetable because it spreads quickly and produces fruit within two months. It suits gardeners who want abundant summer harvests.

Plant in rich, warm soil in full sun, and provide a trellis to keep vines off the ground. Water consistently and harvest often so fruit does not turn bitter.

Cucumber seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast summer cucumbers.

11. Pumpkin – Best Fast-Growing Sprawling Vegetable

Pumpkin is the best fast-growing sprawling vegetable because vines spread dramatically through summer and produce fruit in a single season. It suits gardeners with room for sprawling growth.

Plant in rich, warm soil in full sun, spacing vines generously, and water deeply during fruit development. Pinch off excess vines if space is limited.

Pumpkin seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want autumn harvests.

12. Corn – Best Fast-Growing Tall Grass Vegetable

Corn is the best fast-growing tall grass vegetable because it reaches full height and produces ears within about three months. It suits gardeners with a sunny block to fill.

Sow in blocks rather than single rows for good pollination, and keep plants well watered in the first six weeks. Side-dress with nitrogen when plants knee-high.

Corn seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want tall, quick summer crops.

13. Cosmos – Best Fast-Growing Tall Flower

Cosmos is the best fast-growing tall flower because it flowers within weeks of sowing and reaches waist height in a single season. It suits gardeners who want quick, airy color.

Sow directly in full sun after frost, and avoid rich soil that pushes leafy growth over flowers. Water during dry spells and deadhead to keep blooms coming.

Cosmos seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast, low-care color.

14. Marigold – Best Fast-Growing Companion Flower

Marigold is the best fast-growing companion flower because it flowers within weeks of sowing and helps deter some garden pests. It suits gardeners who want quick color and pest support.

Sow in full sun after frost and keep soil evenly moist until plants establish. Deadhead regularly and plant among vegetables as a companion crop.

Marigold seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast, useful flowers.

15. Borage – Best Fast-Growing Herb For Pollinators

Borage is the best fast-growing herb for pollinators because it grows quickly from seed and attracts bees in force. It suits gardeners who want quick, useful greenery.

Sow directly in full sun to partial shade, and let plants self-seed for a repeat crop. Water during dry spells and remove spent flowers if you do not want it to spread.

Borage seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast pollinator support.

16. Willow – Best Fast-Growing Tree For Screening

Willow is the best fast-growing tree for screening because many varieties add several feet per year and tolerate wet soil. It suits gardeners who need a quick, large screen.

Plant bare-root willow in moist soil in full sun, and water well through the first two seasons. Keep it away from drains and foundations, since roots seek water aggressively.

Willow trees from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners with wet sites and space.

17. Poplar – Best Fast-Growing Shade Tree

Poplar is the best fast-growing shade tree because many varieties add several feet a year and quickly cast shade. It suits gardeners with space for a large tree.

Plant in full sun with plenty of room, and water through the first seasons. Keep poplars away from foundations and drains, since roots and branches are vigorous.

Poplar trees from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast shade on large properties.

18. Eucalyptus – Best Fast-Growing Evergreen Tree

Eucalyptus is the best fast-growing evergreen tree because it can add several feet a year and holds foliage year-round. It suits gardeners in mild climates who want quick evergreen height.

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil, and water through the first two seasons. Prune lightly to shape, and site away from drains, since roots seek moisture.

Eucalyptus trees from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners in mild climates.

19. Leyland Cypress – Best Fast-Growing Privacy Hedge

Leyland cypress is the best fast-growing privacy hedge because it adds several feet per year and forms a dense screen quickly. It suits gardeners who need privacy within a few seasons.

Space trees according to mature width and water deeply during the first two years. Trim hedge sides lightly each year to keep the screen dense.

Leyland cypress from a reputable supplier is backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want quick privacy.

20. Honeysuckle – Best Fast-Growing Fragrant Vine

Honeysuckle is the best fast-growing fragrant vine because it twines quickly around supports and fills evenings with scent. It suits gardeners who want quick coverage and fragrance.

Plant at the base of a sturdy trellis in sun to partial shade, and water through the first season. Prune after flowering to keep growth in bounds.

Honeysuckle vines from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast fragrance.

21. Wisteria – Best Fast-Growing Flowering Climber

Wisteria is the best fast-growing flowering climber because the vine grows rapidly and produces dramatic spring racemes once established. It suits gardeners with a strong pergola or wall.

Plant in full sun with strong support, and prune twice a year to control growth and encourage bloom. Water through the first seasons and be patient, since bloom takes several years.

Wisteria vines from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want dramatic spring flowers.

22. Climbing Rose – Best Fast-Growing Flowering Rose

Climbing rose is the best fast-growing flowering rose because many varieties extend several feet in a single season and bloom heavily. It suits gardeners who want quick vertical color.

Plant against a sturdy support in full sun and water deeply through the first season. Tie canes in as they grow and prune lightly to shape.

Climbing roses from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast flowering coverage.

23. Clematis – Best Fast-Growing Climbing Perennial

Clematis is the best fast-growing climbing perennial because many varieties grow quickly and return each year with abundant bloom. It suits gardeners who want long-term vertical color.

Plant with the crown slightly buried and roots shaded, and water through the first season. Prune according to the variety group so you do not remove flower buds.

Clematis vines from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast climbing perennials.

24. Virginia Creeper – Best Fast-Growing Wall Climber

Virginia creeper is the best fast-growing wall climber because it covers walls and fences within a season and turns brilliant red in autumn. It suits gardeners who want quick coverage and fall color.

Plant at the base of a wall or fence in sun to partial shade, and water through the first season. Prune to keep it off windows and gutters.

Virginia creeper plants from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast wall coverage.

25. Ivy – Best Fast-Growing Evergreen Climber

Ivy is the best fast-growing evergreen climber because it covers walls, fences, and trees quickly and holds foliage year-round. It suits gardeners who want quick evergreen coverage.

Plant at the base of a wall or fence in sun to shade, and water until established. Trim regularly to keep it away from windows, gutters, and tree crowns.

Ivy plants from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast evergreen coverage.

26. Russian Sage – Best Fast-Growing Perennial For Dry Sites

Russian sage is the best fast-growing perennial for dry sites because it establishes quickly and blooms heavily without much water. It suits gardeners who want fast color in hot, dry beds.

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil, and water only during establishment. Cut plants back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Russian sage plants from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners with dry, sunny beds.

27. Lamb’s Ear – Best Fast-Growing Groundcover

Lamb’s ear is the best fast-growing groundcover because it spreads quickly and forms a dense silver mat within a season. It suits gardeners who want fast weed suppression.

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil, spacing plants a foot apart so they knit together. Water during establishment and divide clumps every few years to keep them vigorous.

Lamb’s ear plants from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast groundcover.

28. Sweet Potato Vine – Best Fast-Growing Ornamental Vine

Sweet potato vine is the best fast-growing ornamental vine because it sprawls several feet in a season and adds bold foliage color. It suits gardeners who want quick container or border fill.

Plant in full sun with regular water, and trim runners to keep the plant full rather than leggy. Bring plants indoors before frost if you want to overwinter them.

Sweet potato vines from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast foliage color.

29. Fountain Grass – Best Fast-Growing Ornamental Grass

Fountain grass is the best fast-growing ornamental grass because it reaches full size in one season and adds movement to beds. It suits gardeners who want quick texture.

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil, and water during establishment. Cut back in late winter before new growth emerges.

Fountain grass plants from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners who want fast ornamental texture.

30. Castor Bean – Best Fast-Growing Tropical Accent

Castor bean is the best fast-growing tropical accent because it shoots up several feet in a season and adds bold foliage. It suits gardeners who want a dramatic tropical look.

Sow seed indoors early or directly outdoors after frost in rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly and site away from children and pets, since seeds are highly toxic.

Castor bean seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want a fast tropical accent.

Tips For Growing Plants That Grow Really Fast

• Give roots room: Fast growers need adequate space and water to reach their potential, so plant at the recommended spacing.
• Provide support early: Climbers and tall annuals need trellises and stakes in place before they need them.
• Check invasiveness: Bamboo, ivy, and honeysuckle can spread beyond bounds. Ask your local extension office before planting aggressive species.
• Water deeply during establishment: Rapid growth demands steady moisture in the first season, then tapers off for drought-tolerant types.
• Prune at the right time: Fast growers need regular pruning to keep shape and encourage bloom rather than runaway growth.
• Fertilize lightly: Too much nitrogen pushes leaves over flowers in many fast annuals, so feed modestly.
• Plan for size: A fast-growing tree or vine reaches mature size quickly, so site it where it can stay.

Plants That Grow Really Fast Frequently Asked Questions

1. What plants grow really fast?

Bamboo, sunflowers, morning glory, sweet pea, nasturtium, zucchini, radish, lettuce, pole beans, cucumber, pumpkin, corn, cosmos, marigold, borage, willow, poplar, eucalyptus, Leyland cypress, honeysuckle, wisteria, climbing rose, clematis, Virginia creeper, ivy, Russian sage, lamb’s ear, sweet potato vine, fountain grass, and castor bean all grow quickly.

2. What is the fastest-growing plant for privacy?

Bamboo and Leyland cypress are the fastest privacy options, reaching screening height within two to three seasons when planted in good conditions.

3. What is the fastest-growing vegetable?

Radish is the fastest vegetable, maturing in as little as three weeks. Lettuce and zucchini follow closely, with harvests in about a month to fifty days.

4. Which fast-growing plants are invasive?

Bamboo, ivy, honeysuckle, Virginia creeper, and castor bean can spread aggressively. Check local regulations before planting these species.

5. Do fast-growing plants need more water?

Yes, during establishment. Rapid growth demands steady moisture in the first season, after which many drought-tolerant types need much less.

6. What is the fastest-growing flowering vine?

Morning glory and sweet pea are the fastest flowering vines, covering a trellis within weeks and blooming through the season.

7. What fast-growing plant is safe for small gardens?

Cosmos, marigolds, nasturtiums, lettuce, radishes, and fountain grass all grow quickly without taking over a small space.

Conclusion

Bamboo is the best overall plants that grow really fast because it adds several feet in a season and creates a dense screen quickly. Sunflowers, morning glory, and zucchini follow closely for fast flowers and food.

Sweet pea, nasturtium, radish, lettuce, pole beans, cucumber, pumpkin, corn, cosmos, marigold, borage, willow, poplar, eucalyptus, Leyland cypress, honeysuckle, wisteria, climbing rose, clematis, Virginia creeper, ivy, Russian sage, lamb’s ear, sweet potato vine, fountain grass, and castor bean each fill a different role for gardeners who need speed.

Effective use depends on matching the plant to the site, providing support and water during establishment, checking invasive status, and pruning to control growth. Speed is only an advantage when it is channeled.

Start with a fast grower that suits your space, plant it well, and keep it in bounds. Thoughtful selection delivers quick results without turning the garden into a maintenance problem.