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Fast-Growing Crops for Autumn

Autumn doesn’t have to mean the end of the growing season. With the right crops and good timing, you can squeeze in a fast, productive round of vegetables before the first hard frosts arrive. Whether you’re growing in open beds, containers, or under cover, there are plenty of quick-maturing crops that thrive in cooler autumn conditions and deliver fresh food in as little as 30 to 60 days.

Autumn sowing is especially valuable for small-space growers or those wanting to keep harvests going well into winter. With shorter days and lower soil temperatures, the focus should be on leafy greens, baby roots, and salad varieties bred for cool-weather resilience.

Why Grow Fast Crops in Autumn?

  • Make use of space after summer crops are cleared
  • Fill gaps in raised beds or containers
  • Keep fresh food coming right up to the first frost
  • Use remaining warmth and daylight before winter sets in
  • Great for beginners who want quick results before the season ends

How Late Can You Sow?

Most fast autumn crops are sown from August to mid-October, depending on your location and conditions. The further north you are, the earlier you’ll want to get them in. Under cover (polytunnel, cloche, greenhouse), you can push sowing later into October and sometimes even early November.

The key is to sow early enough that plants can reach a decent size before growth slows due to cold and low light levels. Once established, many crops can survive colder weather and be picked gradually over winter.

Tips for Autumn Sowing Success

  • Choose quick-maturing varieties (marked “early” or under 60 days to harvest)
  • Sow during a mild spell so seeds germinate quickly
  • Use fleece, cloches, or tunnels to trap heat and extend the season
  • Water in the mornings only to reduce damp and mould risk overnight
  • Pick young — many autumn crops are best harvested at baby stage

Best Fast-Growing Crops for Autumn

Crop Sow Period Days to Harvest Where to Grow Notes
Radish Aug–Oct 25–35 days Beds, containers Quickest autumn crop
Spinach Aug–Sept 30–50 days Beds, trays, tunnels Pick leaves young
Rocket Aug–Oct 21–35 days Beds or under cover Fast and spicy
Lettuce (cut types) Aug–Oct 30–45 days Beds, trays, pots Best under cover late
Pak Choi Aug–Sept 40–60 days Under cover ideally Needs protection from frost
Mustard Greens Aug–Oct 30–40 days Beds, trays Great mixed with salad leaves
Mizuna Aug–Oct 30–50 days Cold frame or tunnel Cold-hardy, mild flavour
Turnips (baby) Aug–Sept 45–60 days Beds Sow tight and pick small
Spring Onions Aug–Sept 50–60 days Beds or containers Mild flavour, good autumn crop
Corn Salad (Mâche) Sept–Oct 50–70 days Cold frame or tunnel Slower but winter-hardy
Land Cress Aug–Oct 40–60 days Beds or undercover Peppery and productive
Beetroot (baby) Aug–early Sept 50–60 days Beds, containers Pick young roots and leaves

Quick-Crop Combinations for Small Beds

  • Rocket, mustard greens and mizuna: A quick spicy salad mix.
  • Lettuce, land cress, and corn salad: A cool-weather green blend.
  • Beetroot, spring onions, and baby turnips: A colourful root patch perfect for late autumn.

Want to Go Later Into Winter?

If you’ve got protection like a greenhouse, tunnel, or even just fleece, you can stretch your sowing dates well into October and sometimes beyond.

Try leafy crops like corn salad, land cress, or winter lettuces. They grow slowly but steadily, and can be picked leaf by leaf as needed.