1. Asparagus
If you love asparagus, you’ll be happy to know it’s a plant-and-forget perennial. It takes a bit of patience (1-2 years) before you can harvest, but once it starts, it keeps coming back for 15 years or more.
Plant live crowns in a sunny spot, and remember, all-male hybrids yield the most stalks.
2. Ramps
Ramps, also known as wild leeks, have a mild onion flavor perfect for salads or sautéed dishes. They’re slow growers, so patience is key.
Plant ramp bulbs in wooded areas with well-draining soil. Be cautious, though—avoid planting near toxic look-alikes.
3. Rhubarb
Known for its green and crimson-blushed stalks, rhubarb is a tough and hardy plant that returns for decades in Zones 3-8. Plant rhubarb roots in a sunny, well-drained spot, and remember, only the stalks are edible.
4. Fiddleheads
Fiddleheads, the curled tips of ferns, bring excitement to spring markets. Grow your own from perennial ostrich ferns in shady, moist areas. Harvest in early spring and enjoy their asparagus-like flavor in salads or sides.
5. Onions
Certain onions, like scallions, shallots, and Egyptian walking onions, can be part of your perennial garden. Enjoy them in various dishes and leave some in the ground to regrow next year.
6. Horseradish
For intense flavor, grow horseradish in Zones 3-9. Plant roots in a sunny spot with room to spread, and harvest in fall or early winter.
7. Jerusalem Artichokes
Also known as sunchokes, Jerusalem artichokes are grown for their roots. Plant in Zones 3-8 in a well-drained, sunny spot with ample space.
8. Garlic
Leave a portion of your garlic bulbs in the ground, and they’ll come back every year. Choose softneck for warmer areas and hardneck for colder climates.
9. Radicchio
This chicory variety with red and white leaves is hardy in Zones 3-8. Plant in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
10. Lovage
This herb/vegetable has a strong celery-like flavor. Grow it in Zones 4-8 in partial shade with well-drained soil.
11. Sorrel
Perennial greens with a tart, lemony flavor, sorrel grows well in Zones 5-9. Plant in a sunny location with some shade on hot days.
12. Herbs
Certain kitchen herbs like chives, mint, lemon balm, oregano, sage, and thyme can regrow year after year. Plant them in well-drained soil and full-sun locations for a reliable comeback. Container plants may not survive winter freezes.