20 Easy-to-grow Perennial Vegetables and Fruits

These 20 perennials are easy to grow and will provide you with food for many years after you plant them:

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

Common Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
Andreas Rockstein/Flickr

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable adapted to USDA zones 3-10. It grows slowly and matures in 3-5 years. Harvesting is done in the spring. 

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Timo Newton-Syms

Rhubarb is a vegetable that grows in cold climates. It should be planted in the spring. It is eaten as a fruit and added to jams and jellies. Adapted to USDA zones 3-8. 

Egyptian Walking Onions (Allium proliferum)

Egyptian Walking Onions (Allium proliferum)
Tony Alter/Flickr

Walking onions thrive in cooler climates. They are adapted to USDA zones 3-9. 

Apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca)

Apricots provide delicious yellow fruits. The tree should be planted in warmer areas and in full sunlight. They grow in USDA zones 5-8. 

Ground Cherries (Physalis pruinosa)

Ground Cherries (Physalis pruinosa)
Dinesh Valke/Flickr

Ground cherries are perennial fruits bearing trees. They produce yellow-orange fruits with a tomato flavor. Grow in USDA zones 4-8. 

Spinach (Spinach oleracea)

Some species of spinach are annual and some are perennial. It is fast growing and yields relatively quickly. Adapted to USDA zones 2-11.

Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)

Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)
Marco Verch Professional Photographer/Flickr

Wild raspberries are known for tasty red berries. They produce once during the summer and should be best planted after the last frost. Grown in USDA zones 4-8. 

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa)

Strawberries are great additions to a perennial fruit garden. The berries have a sweet juicy taste and red color. They can be grown in containers or raised beds. Grown in USDA zones 5-8. 

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)

Horseradish is grown for its yellow-white roots which are used as a spice in many foods. It should be planted in spring and harvested in the fall. Grown in USDA zones 4-8. 

Lavender (Lavendula spp.)

Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr

Lavender is a perennial plant known for its fragrant purple flowers that bloom in the summer. Lavenders can live for up to 10 years but will need replanting to ensure better quality. Adapted to USDA zones 5-9. 

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Jason Baker/Flickr

Sage is mainly grown for its culinary value. The leaves are eaten fresh or dried and make great additions to vegetable salads. Grow in USDA zones 4-10.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a bulbous plant native to Asia. It has a unique taste that makes it a great culinary plant. Adapted to USDA zones 4-9. 

Artichokes (Cynara scolymus)

Improved Green Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr

Artichokes are herbaceous perennials in warmer climates. They are valued for their edible flower buds that are a great addition to vegetable salads. Grow in USDA zones 7-11. 

Black Huckleberries (Gaylussacia baccata)

Huckleberries are well adapted to cold climates. Black huckleberries have a great taste and offer a great food source for local wildlife. Grow in USDA zones 3-7. 

Fig tree (Ficus carica)

Fig tree (Ficus carica)
Chic Bee/Flickr

Fig trees are exotic perennials that grow very fast compared to other fruiting trees. They have great ornamental value and produce fleshy purple fruits. Adapted to USDA zones 5-10. 

Wasabi (Wasabia japonica)

Wasabi is a perennial vegetable native to Japan. It has a strong flavor and is a common ingredient in many Japanese dishes. Grow in USDA zones 8-10. 

Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major)

Broadleaf plantain is a herbaceous perennial whose leaves can be added to stews or eaten raw. The plant is naturalized to Europe. Grows in USDA zones 3-12. 

Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Edsel Little/flickr

Lovage is rich in vitamins C and B making it a great addition to vegetable salads. It has a similar taste to celery and is cultivated for its stalks and foliage. Grow in USDA zones 4-8. 

American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

best trees for deer- wild persimmon

Persimmon trees are characterized by bright orange fruits. They grow slowly and can take up to 10 years before bearing fruit. Adapted to USDA hardiness zones 4-9. 

French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus)

French sorrel is a culinary herb used in soups, sauces and salads. Grows in USDA zones 5-11. 

These 20 perennial plants are easy to grow and maintain and will bring you a bountiful harvest year after year. To grow and maintain a perennial garden, you can read my guide. Also you may want to find out the best perennials to grow in your climate or hardiness zone. Especially if you live in cold or hot climates.