Are you tired of waiting for your garden to reach its full potential? Do you yearn for an instant burst of beauty and vitality? Look no further! Fast-growing plants are the secret weapon to transform your garden in the blink of an eye.
And if you’re seeking something truly extraordinary, Fast-growing plants are the way to go. These botanical wonders possess an enchanting allure that will captivate your senses and leave you spellbound.
In this guide, we unveil seven fast-growing that hold the power to instantly revitalize your garden. Get ready to embark on a horticultural adventure that will have your garden blooming with splendor in no time.
1. Morning Glory (ipomoea)
Morning Glory is a fast-growing annual vine known for its brightly colored trumpet-shaped flowers. Although they are toxic to humans and pets, these flowers are popular among butterflies and hummingbirds.
Common morning glories originate from Mexico and Central America and can reach heights of up to 12 feet. They are easy to care for and self-sow, often returning the following year. Morning glories require full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
Regular watering and mulching are necessary, and they benefit from low-nitrogen fertilizer. There are different species and varieties of morning glories available, each with its own unique characteristics.
Starting morning glory plants from seeds is simple, and scarification can enhance germination. While morning glories are generally resilient against pests and diseases, fungal issues can arise in wet conditions.
Animals like deer, rabbits, and groundhogs may feed on the leaves, so protecting the lower vines with fencing is recommended.
2. Inchplant (tradescantia zebrina)
Tradescantia zebrina, also known as inch plant or wandering Jew, is a popular indoor houseplant with attractive purple- and silver-striped foliage. It is a fast-growing plant with trailing stems and can easily be propagated from cuttings.
To care for an inch plant, use an all-purpose indoor potting mix, provide filtered sunlight, and maintain average room temperature. Water deeply but allow the soil to partially dry between waterings, and fertilize during the spring and summer months.
Pruning is necessary to control the plant’s growth and promote bushier foliage. There are different varieties available, including ‘Tricolor,’ ‘Purple Heart,’ and ‘Quicksilver,’ each with unique leaf colors and patterns.
Inch plants generally do not suffer from serious pests or diseases, but aphids can be a problem. It is important to monitor for aphids and remove infected stems while spraying the plant with water. Overly moist soil can lead to root rot and stem rot.
It’s worth noting that some individuals may experience skin irritations when in contact with the plant sap. Overall, Tradescantia zebrina is a low-maintenance houseplant suitable for indoor environments, making it a great choice for those looking to add some greenery to their homes.
3. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are vibrant annual flowers known for their rapid growth, making them ideal for warm climates. These resilient plants come in a variety of colors and shapes, featuring daisy-like, double, and cactus flower blooms.
With a flowering period from summer to autumn, zinnias can make your garden attractive for two to five months. Surprisingly, they require minimal maintenance and no deadheading, although it can benefit their overall growth.
To thrive, zinnias crave abundant sunlight and well-draining soil. They have remarkable tolerance to drought and can tolerate unfavorable soil conditions.
Spring is the best time to sow zinnia seeds, it is important to note that zinnias are not perennial and must be replanted each growing season to enjoy their splendor.
Zinnias are highly regarded for their ability to impress gardens, borders, and containers with vibrant and dramatic colors. Additionally, they are a popular choice for cut flowers due to their striking beauty.
If you wish to propagate zinnias, you can find methods such as division, established plants, or cuttings. It is worth mentioning that tall zinnia varieties are not suitable for pots, while shorter varieties thrive in container gardens. Finally, to preserve zinnias over the winter, they should be carefully uprooted and brought indoors for safekeeping.
4. Hay-Scented Fern (dennstaedtia punctilobula)
The Hay-scented Fern, also known as Dennstaedtia punctilobula, is a yellowish-green fern found in the Adirondacks. It has feathery fronds that emit a scent of crushed hay in late summer and turns golden yellow in the fall.
The fern can be identified by its triangular fronds with relaxed tips, slender stalks, and small dotted lobes on the back of the leaflets. It grows in various habitats, including meadows, forest edges, and rocky slopes.
Hay-scented Ferns are not protected species and are common throughout the eastern US and Canada. While they have limited medicinal uses, they are not a major food source for wildlife.
The ferns form dense colonies and provide protective cover for some species. They are quick to colonize logged-over sites and can inhibit forest regeneration.
Hay-scented Ferns are often found alongside wildflowers and can be seen on trails in the Adirondacks, such as the Boreal Life Trail and the Logger’s Loop Trail.
5. Chives (allium schoenoprasum)
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a perennial herb with a mild onion flavor, commonly used in salads and as a soup garnish. It has attractive purple flowers and is known to attract bees while repelling certain insects, making it beneficial for vegetable gardens.
Chives are easy to grow from nursery sets or seeds, reaching maturity in about two months. They prefer full sun or light shade, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
Dividing clumps every few years ensures vigorous growth. Chives are versatile and suitable for gardens, rock gardens, borders, or pots. They are cold-tolerant and can remain evergreen in warmer climates or die back and return in spring in colder regions.
While they have no significant pests, root rot can occur in dense soil. Chives are drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture is necessary. Different varieties, such as garlic chives, offer unique flavors.
6. Arugula (eruca sativa)
Arugula, also known as rocket or Italian cress, is a tangy green leafy vegetable that belongs to the mustard family, and it has a rich history of cultivation primarily in the Mediterranean region, gaining popularity in the United States since the 1990s.
It is a fast-growing annual crop that can be easily grown from seed or transplanted, making it convenient for cultivation. Arugula thrives as a cool-season crop and is commonly used in salads or cooked dishes to provide a distinctive and flavorful accent.
The plant forms a rosette of dull green leaves and produces creamy white flowers that are not only visually appealing but also edible, serving as an attractive garnish.
When it comes to care, arugula is relatively low-maintenance, as it requires minimal attention, has few pests, and can tolerate both full sun and light shade.
To cultivate arugula successfully, it is advisable to plant it in well-drained soil and sow the seeds as early as the soil can be worked. Additionally, successive plantings can be made to ensure a continuous supply of young arugula leaves.
These leaves can be harvested when they reach a few inches in length, offering a distinct spicy and pungent flavor.
Regular harvesting is beneficial to prevent the plant from going to seed prematurely, which can result in stronger-tasting leaves.
Due to its versatility, arugula can be grown in various settings such as gardens, containers, or even interplanted with other crops, accommodating the preferences and circumstances of both experienced and novice gardeners alike.
