Grow at Home: Discover the Bounty of Edible Perennials
Edible Perennials to Grow in Your Backyard or Patio Garden
Want to grow your own food with less effort every season? Start with edible perennials, plants that return year after year with minimal maintenance. Whether you have a full backyard or just a few patio containers, these long-lasting crops deliver big flavor and reliable harvests.
Let’s look at the best options to grow, when to plant them, and how to keep them healthy for seasons to come.
What Are Edible Perennials?
Edible perennials are fruits, herbs, vegetables, and flowers that live for multiple years, regrowing after each dormant season. Unlike annual plants, which you must replant every spring, perennials root deeply, resist drought better, and mature over time for bigger harvests.
They’re perfect for low-maintenance gardening and many are beautiful enough to double as landscaping plants.
Culinary Herbs That Keep Coming Back
Perennial herbs are ideal for fresh, homegrown flavor all year long. These aromatic plants thrive in garden beds and containers.
Top picks:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Chives
- Sage
- Mint (grow in a pot to prevent spreading)
Care Tip: Most herbs love full sun and well-drained soil. Prune regularly to keep them bushy and productive.
Let some bloom—thyme, basil, and chive flowers are edible and they’re great garnishes.
Garlic & Onion Varieties
Alliums like garlic and onions are kitchen staples—and some varieties come back every year.
- Garlic chives and Egyptian walking onions are top perennial options.
- Hardneck garlic can naturalize in the garden with minimal fuss.
When to Plant: Fall is best.
Care: Plant in full sun with loose, well-draining soil. Mulch in winter to protect roots and reduce weeds.
Berries That Return Year After Year
Berries are delicious, antioxidant-rich, and fun to harvest. Once established, these perennial fruits will produce reliable crops each season with only a bit of care.
At Wayside Gardens you'll find a rotating selection of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and more, ideal for home gardeners who want to grow their own fresh fruit.
These edible perennials are well-suited to both backyard beds and patio containers, depending on the variety.
How to Plant & Care for Berry Bushes
Berry bushes are long-lived perennials that become more productive with each passing year, if you give them a solid start and some seasonal attention. Whether you're planting in the ground or in containers, a few simple practices will keep your plants healthy and fruiting for years to come.
- When to plant: Early spring or fall, depending on your climate zone.
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Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
- Note: Blueberries require acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5). Amend with peat moss or pine needles if needed.
- Sunlight: 6–8 hours of full sun daily.
- Water: Deep soak 1–2 times per week, especially during fruiting.
- Mulch: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pruning: Essential for raspberries and blackberries. Remove old fruiting canes in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
Browse the current selection of berry bushes in the Edibles Collection at Wayside Gardens
Grapevines: Beautiful and Productive
Grapes provide fresh eating, jam, or even homemade wine. Plus, they look gorgeous climbing over trellises and pergolas.
- Requires full sun and space to climb.
- Needs heavy pruning each winter to encourage fruiting.
Citrus & Fruit Trees for Patios or Landscapes
Citrus and fruit trees are excellent long-term investments for edible landscaping.
Wayside Gardens Recommends:
- Meyer Lemon Tree – Fragrant and productive. Can be grown in containers and brought inside in winter.
- Dwarf apple and cherry trees (check for seasonal availability).
Care: Full sun, regular watering, and balanced fertilizer. Citrus prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Protect from frost.
Edible Flowers for Color and Flavor
Edible flowers are as practical as they are pretty. Add them to salads, cakes, or cocktails for a creative, garden-fresh finish.
- Nasturtiums – Spicy and vibrant.
- Calendula – Slightly peppery with golden petals.
- Pansies and Violets – Sweet and colorful.
Only eat organically grown flowers—never consume plants treated with pesticides.
CAUTIONARY NOTE! It is essential to ensure that the flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs you use are safe to consume and have not been treated with pesticides.
Shop for edible plants in the Edibles Collection!
Ready to Grow?
Edible perennials help you build a garden that keeps giving—year after year. Whether you're working with containers or a full yard, plants like herbs, berries, and citrus trees offer big rewards with minimal replanting.
And don’t forget to share your garden photos with us using #waysidegardens!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the easiest edible perennials to grow?
A: Start with herbs like thyme, chives, oregano, and sage. They're hardy, low-maintenance, and grow well in both beds and containers. Berries like strawberries, blackberries, and dwarf blueberries are also great for beginners.
Q: When should I plant berry bushes?
A: The best time to plant berry bushes is in early spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first frost. Avoid planting during peak summer heat or in frozen soil.
Q: Can I grow fruit trees in containers?
A: Yes! Many compact and dwarf fruit trees grow well in pots, including citrus, apples, and figs. Use a large container with drainage holes, fill it with well-draining potting mix, and place it in full sun. In cold climates, bring sensitive trees indoors for winter or shelter them from frost.
Q: What soil do blueberries need?
A: Blueberries thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Amend your soil with peat moss, pine bark, or sulfur to lower the pH and fertilize. They also prefer well-draining, moisture-retentive soil and benefit from mulching.
Q: Do edible perennials need a lot of maintenance?
A: Not at all. That’s the advantage! Most edible perennials need only occasional watering, seasonal pruning, and mulching. Once established, they often require less care than annuals and can become more productive each year.
Q: Can I grow edible perennials in a small space?
A: Absolutely. Many edible perennials—like compact berry bushes, dwarf fruit trees, and perennial herbs—are perfect for patios, balconies, and raised beds. Look for varieties labeled as dwarf, patio, or container-friendly.
