15 Edible Perennials to Outcompete Weeds in Your Garden

With rising food costs and increasing environmental concerns, edible perennials could be the sustainable powerhouse home gardeners have been waiting for. Unlike traditional annuals, these resilient plants keep producing year after year, with minimal upkeep and lasting benefits.

From rich flavors to natural weed suppression, these 15 edible perennials can turn any garden into a productive, low-maintenance haven.

1. Asparagus

Asparagus is the king of edible perennials, offering tender spears for up to 20 years once established. This long-lived vegetable not only provides a delicious spring crop but also develops into an attractive fern-like plant that effectively shades out weeds.

Planting guide:

1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil
2. Plant crowns 12-18 inches apart in trenches
3. Cover with 2 inches of soil, gradually filling the trench as plants grow
4. Harvest lightly in the third year, fully from the fourth year onward

2. Rhubarb

With its large, dramatic leaves and tart stalks, rhubarb is a powerhouse in the perennial garden. This hardy plant thrives in partial shade and can live for decades, crowding out weeds with its impressive foliage.

Planting guide:

1. Select a site with rich, well-draining soil
2. Plant crowns 3 feet apart in early spring
3. Mulch heavily to suppress weeds and retain moisture
4. Harvest stalks when they’re 12-18 inches long, leaving at least half the plant intact

3. Jerusalem Artichoke

Also known as sunchokes, these native North American tubers grow tall and dense, effectively shading out weeds. The sunflower-like plants produce nutty, crisp tubers that can be eaten raw or cooked.

Planting guide:

1. Choose a sunny location with loose soil
2. Plant tubers 4-6 inches deep, 12-18 inches apart
3. Water regularly during the growing season
4. Harvest tubers in late fall or early spring

4. Sorrel

This lemony-flavored perennial is a rapid grower, quickly forming dense clumps that crowd out weeds. Sorrel’s tart leaves are perfect for salads, soups, and sauces, providing a zesty kick to your dishes.

Planting guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring
2. Space plants 12-18 inches apart
3. Provide partial shade in hot climates
4. Cut back flower stalks to encourage leaf production

5. Lovage

Towering up to 6 feet tall, lovage is a celery-flavored herb that creates a natural barrier against weeds. Its hollow stems and leaves can be used in soups, stews, and salads, adding a unique depth of flavor.

Planting guide:

1. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost
2. Transplant seedlings 3 feet apart in full sun
3. Provide rich, moist soil
4. Divide plants every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

6. Chives

These versatile alliums form dense clumps that effectively suppress weeds while providing a continuous supply of flavorful leaves and edible flowers. Chives are perfect for borders and can thrive in various conditions.

Planting guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start indoors
2. Space plants 6-12 inches apart
3. Provide full sun to partial shade
4. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding

7. Sea Kale

This coastal native is a unique perennial vegetable with edible leaves, shoots, and flowers. Sea kale’s deep roots and spreading habit make it an excellent weed suppressor in challenging conditions.

Planting guide:

1. Sow seeds in pots and transplant when established
2. Space plants 3 feet apart in full sun
3. Provide well-draining soil with added compost
4. Mulch with gravel or sand to mimic coastal conditions

8. Good King Henry

Also known as poor man’s asparagus, this versatile perennial offers edible shoots, leaves, and flower buds. Its dense growth habit helps crowd out weeds while providing a nutritious harvest.

Planting guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden in spring or fall
2. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart
3. Provide partial shade in hot climates
4. Mulch heavily to suppress weeds and retain moisture

9. Turkish Rocket

This lesser-known brassica perennial boasts edible leaves, flowers, and seed pods. Turkish rocket’s vigorous growth and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for suppressing weeds in challenging areas.

Planting guide:

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden in spring
2. Thin seedlings to 18-24 inches apart
3. Provide full sun to partial shade
4. Cut back after flowering to encourage new growth

10. Ostrich Fern

Known for its edible fiddleheads, ostrich fern is a beautiful and productive perennial that thrives in shady areas. Its large fronds create a natural canopy that effectively shades out weeds.

Planting guide:

1. Plant dormant roots or divisions in early spring
2. Space plants 3-4 feet apart in partial to full shade
3. Provide rich, moist soil
4. Harvest no more than half the fiddleheads from each plant

11. Egyptian Walking Onion

These unique alliums produce bulblets at the top of their stalks, which eventually topple and “walk” to new growing locations. Their spreading habit and pungent aroma help deter weeds and pests.

Planting guide:

1. Plant bulbs or bulblets 4-6 inches deep in spring
2. Space plants 12-18 inches apart
3. Provide full sun to partial shade
4. Allow some bulblets to replant themselves for a continuous crop

12. Groundnut

This native North American vine produces edible tubers with a nutty flavor. Groundnuts fix nitrogen in the soil and can be trained on trellises to create living walls that shade out weeds.

Planting guide:

1. Plant tubers 3-4 inches deep in spring
2. Space plants 12-18 inches apart
3. Provide a trellis or support structure
4. Harvest tubers in fall after the foliage dies back

13. Daylily

While known for their beautiful flowers, daylilies also offer edible buds, flowers, and tubers. These hardy perennials form dense clumps that effectively crowd out weeds while adding color to the garden.

Planting guide:

1. Plant divisions or bare-root plants in spring or fall
2. Space plants 18-24 inches apart
3. Provide full sun to partial shade
4. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

14. Horseradish

This pungent root vegetable is known for its vigorous growth and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. Horseradish’s large leaves and spreading habit make it an excellent weed suppressor.

Planting guide:

1. Plant root cuttings at a 45-degree angle, 2 inches deep
2. Space plants 18-24 inches apart
3. Provide full sun and well-draining soil
4. Harvest roots in late fall or early spring

15. Mint

While notorious for its spreading habit, mint can be a valuable ally in weed suppression when properly managed. Its aromatic leaves are useful in culinary and medicinal applications.

Planting guide:

1. Plant rooted cuttings or divisions in spring
2. Space plants 18-24 inches apart
3. Contain in raised beds or sunken pots to control spread
4. Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth

By incorporating these edible perennials into your garden, you’ll create a diverse, productive landscape that naturally suppresses weeds while providing years of delicious harvests. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect mix for your unique garden ecosystem.

Davin Eberhardt

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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.

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