Hydroponic vegetables used to be a thing of the future, but now they’re becoming an efficient way to grow herbs and vegetables at home. As so many of us become sustainability-focused, growing vegetables hydroponically seems to be the way to go.
So many home gardeners are now looking to soilless gardens that save on water and offer a far more fruitful harvest. The beauty of a hydroponic kitchen garden is that you can grow almost any plant hydroponically, and often vegetables are the easiest.
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When you’re starting your indoor vegetable garden system, it’s hard to know what the best plants for hydroponics is and which the best hydroponic system for vegetables is, precisely because there are so many to choose from and each vegetable has its own needs.
Our guide will give you a brief outline on how to grow each of these hydroponic vegetables as well as the best hydroponic system for vegetables. Let’s get started:
Hydroponic Basics
Before you start your hydroponic kitchen garden journey, you’ll need to first consider your setup. The one drawback of indoor vegetable garden systems is that you are somewhat limited when it comes to space, time and costs.
While there are a lot of cheap indoor grow setups that you can create, you’ll need to determine what will work best for the kinds of vegetables you plan to grow.
You’ll need to decide whether you’ll be using a grow tent setup for indoors or whether you’ll be using a grow box for outdoors. Plus, you’ll need to invest in a decent lighting system to make sure your plants get all the light they need to grow.
Best Hydroponic Vegetables
1. Tomatoes
One of the most popular and most choices for a hydroponic vegetable garden has to be the tomato. Tomato hydroponics can offer as much 30% to 50% more yield than if grown in the ground.
Plus, under the right conditions, tomatoes can be grown hydroponically all year round.
How to Grow Tomatoes in Hydroponics
Your average tomato hydroponics have a lifespan of anywhere between 8 to 11 months. A huge benefit of growing tomatoes is that seeds only take 5 days to germinate and 1 to 2 months to begin bearing fruit.
What is important is that your tomato hydroponics are getting at least 8 to 10 hours of light. You can push this to 12 to 18 hours for a greater yield. You’ll also want to ensure plenty of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in your growing medium.
Although tomatoes can be grown year-round, it’s important to keep the general temperature between 60-65°F for an ideal yield. You will also need about 3.4 square feet per plant, which does make tomatoes a little space-intensive.
The best types of tomatoes to grow hydroponically include:
- Heirloom Tomatoes
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Rosa Tomatoes
The Best System for Tomato Hydroponics
Tomatoes grow pretty well with most hydroponic systems; however, we would recommend:
- Ebb and Flow Systems
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Systems
- Drip Systems
- Deep Water Culture Systems (DWC)
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2. Peppers & Capsicums
Peppers are also perfect for hydroponic planting, but you need always to make sure to increase the temperature during the night and decreasing it during the daytime.
The reason behind this is because it can help improve the production once they have reached their mature length. Peppers are perfect for adding spice and flavor to your food, and well as provide vitamins C and A to your body.
The nice thing about hydroponic peppers is that you can grow individual varieties or a range of varieties together, meaning you really make the most of the space you have.
Hydroponic bell peppers tend to be the most popular choice, but you really can get creative. Experts reckon that hydroponic peppers can offer growers anywhere between 20% and 25% more yield.
Growing Peppers in Hydroponics
When growing hydroponic peppers, it’s important to make sure that your plants are evenly spaced out. Anywhere between 8 to 24 inches is ideal, depending on which type of hydroponic peppers you’re growing.
Hydroponic bell peppers are slightly more difficult to grow indoors just because they do require quite a bit of light. On average, you’ll need about 18 hours of light per day.
More so, hydroponic peppers enjoy warm weather, so they’re not a good option for winter growing. Ideally, your plants should remain at an ambient temperature of anywhere between 73-75°F.
You will also want to ensure that your growing medium carries plenty of potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphate. With the right conditions, your hydroponic peppers will be ready in as little as 90 days.
The best types of hydroponic peppers include:
- Ace
- California Wonder
- Vidi
- Yolo Wonder
The Best System for Hydroponic Peppers
Peppers have quite similar requirements to tomato hydroponics; that’s why it’s recommended to use a:
- Deep Water Culture (DWC) system
- Wick System
- Ebb + Flow
3. Kale
While it’s not always a favourite vegetable, Kale can offer an incredibly high yield for relatively little work. Experts reckon Kale hydroponics produces as much as 30% more than its soil-based counterpart.
Kale Growing Guidelines
Kale tends to reach maturity anywhere between 55 to 75 days; for a full yield, you may have to wait about 3 to 4 months. You will need to ensure that each plant is at least one and a half feet from each other in order to give it enough space to grow.
Kale hydroponics can grow between a temperature range of 45-80°F. However, the ideal range for maximum yield is between 60-70°F. Your grow medium should also be nitrogen-rich.
The Best System for Kale Hydroponics
For Kale Hydroponics, it is recommended to use:
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems
- DWC systems
4. Green Onions
Spring onion is perfect for the hydroponic system as well. One plant can produce one dozen of sprout that you can harvest every three to four weeks.
This plant is rich in antioxidant which can help in prevents DNA damages and cellular tissue. They are also loaded with vitamin K and C, which are essential to have bones that are healthy.
Hydroponic green onions are often the first choice when it comes to onion types; however, they usually have quite a short life cycle. Still, they offer a wonderfully high yield when you do the harvest.
Green Onion Hydroponic Guidelines
Hydroponic green onions don’t have any particular nutrient needs; however, they do require their growing medium to be exchanged regularly.
They also require at least 12 to 14 hours of light per day for an ideal yield. During germination, which usually takes between 6 to 10 days, you’ll want to keep the ambient temperature between 65-70°F.
Hydroponic green onions will usually be ready for harvest between 80 and 90 days after germination
The Best System for Hydroponic Green Onions
Hydroponic Green Onions require much of the same systems as most root vegetables, namely:
- Ebb and Flow Systems
- DWC Systems
- Floating Raft Bed
5. Celery
Hydroponic celery is an ideal choice when it comes to which the best vegetables for hydroponics. It’s incredibly easy and offers a very high yield and lifespan.
According to research, celery grows 25% faster when grown hydroponically.
Growing Celery Hydroponically
Hydroponic celery will take 2 full weeks to germinate and up to 4 months to become harvest-ready. But the wait is so worth it. A big benefit of celery is that it grows quite happily in colder temperatures.
You’ll want to keep your hydroponic celery at an ambient temperature around 59°F. Plus, celery only needs about 6 hours of light per day.
Be sure to keep your hydroponic celery well spaces out, at least 4 inches between each stalk. You’ll also want to ensure your growing medium is rich in sodium and chlorine for ideal growth.
The Best System for Hydroponic Celery
An ebb and flow system is the ideal option for hydroponic celery.
6. Radishes
Radishes offer a maximum plant yield when grown hydroponically and are often a common choice when it comes to root vegetables. The only thing will be that they may need some additional support with stakes and strings.
Hydroponic Radish Guide
Hydroponic radishes need a minimum of 6 hours of light per day, but for a high yield, you’ll want to push it to as much as 12 hours of light. They also prefer it slightly warmer with an ideal growing temperature around 55-85°F.
Hydroponic radishes are also wonderfully space-conscious, needing only a ¾-inch spacing in between each plant. In terms of your growing medium, they will need a good balance of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
The Best System for Hydroponic Radishes
Hydroponic radishes do well with most growing systems, including:
- Drip Systems
- Ebb and Flow Systems
- NRT Systems
- Wick Systems
- Aeroponic Systems
7. Beans
Beans are great to grow hydroponically because they can be grown in both winter and summer. Depending on the type, they may need to be tied and can grow vertically, which is ideal for those lacking a lot of space.
Plus, hydroponic beans provide a continuous harvest.
Growing Beans Hydroponically
Hydroponic beans take anywhere between 5 to 7 days to germinate and will be ready for harvest after 60 days. They will need between 12 to 13 hours of light per day and remain at an ambient temperature between 65-70°F.
Be sure to plant your hydroponic beans at least 6 inches apart and have a growing medium that is rich in zinc, chlorine, cobalt, boron and manganese.
The best types of bean to grow hydroponically include:
- Bush beans
- Pole beans
- Runner beans
- Lima beans
- String beans
The Best System for Hydroponic Beans
For hydroponic beans, you want to use:
- Ebb and Flow
- NFT Systems
8. Lettuce
Growing lettuce hydroponically is always a great idea because it’s incredibly easy and can be done throughout the year.
Lettuce does not require you to provide it with a lot of space, and you also don’t need to give it too much attention. You can, in fact, harvest the plant in just a few weeks of planting it.
This is a favorite staple of people who are health conscious because of the low-calorie content that it has. It is rich in vitamins K, C, and A, and as well as calcium magnesium and iron.
On average, growing lettuce hydroponically can offer 11 times more yield than when grown in the ground.
The best types of lettuce for hydroponics include:
- Romaine
- Loose-leaf
- Butterhead
Lettuce Hydroponic Guidelines
What draws most home growers to lettuce, and most specifically growing romaine lettuce hydroponically, is that it can be ready for harvest in as little as 6 weeks or less. That is provided that your plants are receiving at least 10 to 14 hours of light per day.
Most types, as well as romaine lettuce hydroponics, need to be planted about 4 inches apart in order to give your lettuce heads enough space to grow.
In terms of temperature, romaine lettuce hydroponics and other varieties can grow anywhere between 50-70°F.
The Best System for Growing Lettuce Hydroponically
A raft system is ideal for almost all types of lettuce.
9. Eggplant
Eggplants like it hot, so they’re a perfect summer plant to grow. The only issue is that because Eggplants need to grow to a certain size, they can take slightly longer than most other bulbous vegetables.
The best types to grow include:
- Black Beauty
- Dusky
- Early Bird
- Imperial Black Beauty
- Easter Egg
How to Grow Hydroponic Eggplants
When it comes to lifespan, eggplants will need a full 2 years to reach a harvest-ready stage. While this may be too much for some growers, the wait is absolutely worth it and can be a lot of fun.
More so, hydroponic eggplants need to be planted at least 18 inches away from each other, so they’re not the most space-friendly either.
What is important is that your hydroponic eggplant receives at least 8 to 10 hours of light per day and remains at an ambient temperature between 70-90°F.
When it comes to your growing medium, it will need to remain rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous right up until it begins to bear fruit.
The Best Growing System for Hydroponic Eggplant
The ideal growing system for eggplant includes:
- Ebb and Flow Systems
- DWC Systems
10. Cabbage
Hydroponic cabbage is ideal because you can get a relatively large crop in a very small space. Plus, they grow best in colder temperatures.
The best types of cabbage to grow hydroponically includes:
- Savoy
- Loose-leaf
- Ballhead
- Red/ Green/ Purple Cabbage
Hydroponic Cabbage Guide
Hydroponic cabbage only needs an ambient temperature between 40-70°F, which means it is happy to continue growing even in winter. It also only needs an average of 6 hours of light per day.
In the right conditions, your hydroponic cabbage could be ready for harvest between 14 to 18 weeks. Just ensure each head is spaced at least 6-inches from each other.
The Best System for Hydroponic Cabbage
Any of the following systems can be used for hydroponic cabbage:
- NFT
- DWC
- Aeroponics
- Rafts
11. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is slightly more tricky to grow hydroponically because it often needs varying temperatures. However, it is beneficial as it also doesn’t require much space for a pretty decent yield.
The best types of cauliflower to grow hydroponically include:
- Snow Crown
- Snow Ball
- Denali
- Panther
- Candid Charm
- Skywalker
- Orange Burst
- Graffiti
How to Grow Cauliflower Hydroponically
Hydroponic cauliflower will need about 4 to 5 weeks to germinate, which is significantly more than many other hydroponic vegetables. Seeds should be spaced at least 8-inches apart.
A benefit of hydroponic cauliflower is that it can grow in cooler temperatures, anywhere between 55-70°F and only needs about 6 hours of light per day.
In terms of growing medium, you will need a rich supply of nitrogen, iron and phosphorous.
The Best System for Hydroponic Cauliflower
Most types of hydroponic cauliflower grow well with:
- DWC systems
- NFT systems
- Ebb & Flow Systems
12. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a very popular option as they offer a high yield in a very short amount of time. They are rich in zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, folic acid, vitamins C and B.
The said elements could help the cucumbers to be effective in cleaning a person’s body from cholesterol and slowing the process of aging.
When planting this fruit, always make sure that it has enough space for it to grow perfectly. The only thing is that hydroponic cucumbers like it hot and warm, so in summer, don’t be afraid to give them plenty of direct sun.
The ideal cucumbers for hydroponic growth include:
- Space Master
- Bush Champion
Hydroponic Cucumber Growing Guidelines
Cucumber seeds only take between 3 to 10 days to germinate and will be ready for harvest not too long after that. As hydroponic cucumbers like it warm, they will need between 12 to 14 hours of light per day and an ambient temperature between 70-80°F.
Luckily, they are also quite space-conscious and only need to be planted about 2 feet apart.
The Best System for Hydroponic Cucumbers
Hydroponic cucumbers can be grown:
- Drip System
- Bubble Bucket
13. Carrots
Not all carrots can be grown hydroponically; this is why gourmet carrots are most recommended.
Guide on Hydroponic Carrots
One benefit of hydroponic carrots is that they only take 2 to 3 months to become harvest-ready. More so, they’re space-efficient as they only need to be spaced out every 1 ½ inches.
Carrots require a significant amount of light, at least 12 to 16 hours per day. In terms of the growing medium, you’ll want to ensure it remains rich in potassium and phosphorous.
The Best Systems for Hydroponic Carrots
For hydroponic carrots, it is recommended to use:
- Ebb & Flow Systems
- Wick Systems
- Drip Systems
14. Beets
Hydroponic beets are one the easiest root vegetables to grow and offer a far higher yield as opposed to when grown in the ground.
Hydroponic Beets Guide
Hydroponic beets will take about 7 to 14 days to germinate and only 6 to 8 weeks to become harvest-ready. These root vegetables also tolerate lower temperatures so can be kept around 55-75°F.
However, you will need to provide them with at least 6 to 8 hours of light per day.
Best Systems for Hydroponic Beets
As with most root vegetables, Ebb and Flow systems are the ideal options.
15. Spinach
Hydroponic spinach is a speedy grower, which is why it’s such a common choice. This vegetable is considered as one of the healthiest leafy vegetables in the market today.
Spinach is rich in antioxidant and is good in providing minerals, vitamins, iron, and protein. For people who don’t know, spinach is a perfect source for zinc, copper, folic acid, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, K, and E.
It can help you protect your heart and lower your cholesterol. Plus, it offers a far higher yield when grown hydroponically.
Growing Hydroponic Spinach Guide
Hydroponic spinach will take around 7 to 21 days to sprout and only 30 to 35 days to become harvest-ready. It will need to be spaced about 3 inches apart, which means it’s not the most space conscious. It will also require around 12 hours of light per day.
Hydroponic spinach grows best in lower temperatures, so you can keep it around 60-65°F.
Best System for Hydroponic Spinach
For hydroponic spinach, you can use:
- NFT Systems
- DWC Systems
16. Onions
Yes, even onions can be fairly easily grown hydroponically. However, they don’t have a great lifespan as opposed to some other vegetables.
Hydroponic Onion Grow Guide
Onion seeds will take around 6 to 10 days to germinate and your hydroponic onions won’t be ready for harvest before 3 to 4 months. Be sure that your hydroponic onions receive at least 12 hours of light per day minimum and remain at an ambient temperature between 65-70°F.
Luckily, hydroponic onions are space efficient and only need to be planted ¼ inch apart.
The Best System for Hydroponic Onions
A DWC system is ideal for onions.
17. Broccoli
Much like cauliflower, hydroponic broccoli is not the easiest to grow. Calabrese broccoli is the best type for hydroponic vegetable.
Growing Broccoli Hydroponically
Hydroponic broccoli will need to be spaced anywhere between 12 and 16 inches apart in order to give enough space to grow. Germination will take 7 to 14 days, with your hydroponic broccoli being harvest ready after 60 to 100 days.
Be sure to give your hydroponic broccoli at least 14 to 16 hours of light per day. It is important to note that broccoli needs a colder temperature of 60°F to grow.
The Best System for Hydroponic Broccoli
You can use any of the following systems:
- Dutch Bucket Systems
- Ebb & Flow Systems
- DWC Systems
18. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are actually a great option for hydroponic growth. They don’t require much light and offer an incredibly high and recurring yield.
The best types of mushrooms to grow hydroponically include:
- Nameko
- Shiitake
- Oyster
- Lions Mane
- Button
- Maitake
- Cinnamon Cap
- Enokitake
Hydroponic Mushroom Grow Guide
Hydroponic mushrooms only require about 5 to 6 hours of light per day and an ambient temperature of 60-75°F. It will take about 4 weeks for your hydroponic mushrooms to become established, and then you will be able to harvest almost every 3 to 5 days thereafter.
You will want to ensure a nitrogen rich growing medium.
The Best System for Hydroponic Mushrooms
An ebb & flow system is ideal for hydroponic mushrooms.
Fast Growing Hydroponic Plants
If you want to grow stuff quickly, here are 4 fast growing hydroponic plants:
- Coriander
- Basil
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
Best Hydroponic Herbs to Grow
1. Coriander
One of the greatest herbs that you can grow is the Coriander, which can only take a total of four weeks before it finally produces two to three harvests. The only thing that you need to do if you want a great harvest is to provide them with a lot of light.
People love coriander because of the different benefits that it has, such as providing you with protein, vitamin K, and vitamin C. It is also known to help digestion, mouth ulcers, high cholesterol, and skin inflammation.
2. Basil
Another herb that you can grow is basil, which also do not require a lot of care but can still manage to produce a crop that is impressive. Basil provides fragrance, taste and as well as other health benefits to the consumer.
In fact, a research has shown that eating basil can help reduce swelling and inflammation. It is also rich in antioxidants which can help protect people from free radicals, which is a leading cause of aging.
See our comprehensive guide on how to grow basil for everything you need to know.
Growing Hydroponic Fruits
1. Blueberries
Blueberries need soil conditions that are high in acid, which is why they are better to be grown conditions that are hydroponic. The reason behind this is because you need to control the content of PH and nutrients for the berries to grow healthier and bigger.
Since this fruit is rich in antioxidant, they can indeed protect the nervous system and your brain. In fact, blueberries are ranked as one of the fruits that have the highest vitamins and antioxidants that are both needed by the body.
2. Strawberries
For people who don’t know, strawberries can ideally grow in conditions that are wet, therefore making them perfect for hydroponic planting. If planted right, you can expect bigger fruits when it comes harvest time.
Strawberries are known to be rich in vitamins C and antioxidant, which are both referred to as a booster of the immune system. They are also good for lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Wrapping Up Our Hydroponic Vegetables Guide
For more tips on your hydroponic vegetable garden, take a look at all of our hydroponic guides. Other than the list above, also see our watercress growing guide you can easily grow hydroponically.
When it comes to choosing the best plant for hydroponics, it really depends on your system and how much effort you’re willing to put in because really, you can grow almost anything hydroponically.
So, there you have it, everything you need to know to start your own hydroponic kitchen garden. Enjoy growing your hydroponic vegetables today!