Transplanting and Harvesting Times
This quick guide offers a thorough chart detailing optimal transplant times and days to maturity for various vegetables. It’s designed to assist gardeners at all levels in maximizing their yields through strategic timing. This resource is an essential tool for achieving a thriving, productive garden season.
If you would like to learn more, additional resources for seeds can be found from the following links:
- How long it takes vegetable seeds to germinate under different temperatures
- How deep you should sow your seeds and how far to space your seeds when planting
- A complete seeds and seedlings guide for hydroponics and aquaponics
When to Transplant and Days to Maturity for Vegetables (Soil-Based)
| Vegetable | When You Can Transplant (In Weeks) | Days to Maturity From Seed |
|---|---|---|
| Artichoke | 6-8 | 85-120 |
| Arugula | DS | 30-40 |
| Asparagus, Seed | 12-14 | 2-3 years |
| Asparagus, Crown | DS | 1-2 years |
| Celtuce | 4-5 | 80 |
| Bean, Bush | DS | 50-70 |
| Bean, Lima Bush | DS | 75-80 |
| Bean, Lima Pole | DS | 85-90 |
| Bean, Pole | DS | 55-65 |
| Bean, Scarlet Runner | DS | 60-70 |
| Bean, Yardlong | DS | 75-85 |
| Beet | DS | 45-55 |
| Belgian Endive (Witloof Chicory) | 4-6 | 100-120 |
| Black-Eyed Pea (Cowpea, Southern Pea) | DS | 105-125 |
| Bok Choy | 4-5 | 30-50 |
| Broccoli | 5-6 | 50-80 |
| Brussels Sprout | 5-6 | 80-105 |
| Cabbage | 5-6 | 65-95 |
| Cabbage, Chinese | 4-6 | 70-90 |
| Carrot | DS | 60-80 |
| Cauliflower | 5-6 | 65-80 |
| Celeriac | 10 | 90-120 |
| Celery | 10-12 | 120-140 |
| Chard, Swiss | DS | 55-65 |
| Chicory (Endive, Escarole) | 4-6 | 50-60 |
| Chicory, Italian Dandelion | DS | 45-55 |
| Chive | 4-6 | 80-90 |
| Collards | 5-6 | 65-85 |
| Corn, Sweet | DS | 65-90 |
| Corn Salad (Mâche, Feldsalat) | DS | 45-55 |
| Cress | DS | 25-45 |
| Cucumber | 4-5 | 45-65 |
| Edamame | DS | 85-100 |
| Eggplant | 6-9 | 75-95 |
| Fennel (Finocchio) | 6-8 | 100-120 |
| Garbanzo (Chickpea) | DS | 85-125 |
| Garlic | DS | 90-150 |
| Horseradish | DS | 140-160 |
| Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke) | DS | 110-150 |
| Kale | 5-6 | 55-80 |
| Kohlrabi | 6-8 | 60-70 |
| Leek | 10-12 | 80-90 |
| Lettuce, Head | 4-6 | 55-80 |
| Lettuce, Leaf | 4-6 | 45-60 |
| Muskmelon (Cantaloupe) | 3-4 | 75-95 |
| Mustard Greens | 5-6 | 35-65 |
| New Zealand Spinach | 4-6 | 70-80 |
| Onion, Set | DS | 90-110 |
| Onion, Seed | 5-6 | 80-120 |
| Parsley | 6-8 | 75-90 |
| Parsnip | DS | 100-120 |
| Pea | DS | 65-85 |
| Pepper | 6-8 | 60-80 |
| Potato | DS | 90-105 |
| Pumpkin | 4-6 | 70-110 |
| Radicchio | 4-6 | 65-90 |
| Radish | DS | 20-30 |
| Rutabaga | DS | 80-90 |
| Salsify | DS | 110-150 |
| Shallot | DS | 60-75 |
| Spinach | DS | 30-40 |
| Squash, Summer | 4-6 | 45-60 |
| Squash, Winter | 4-6 | 85-120 |
| Sweet Potato | DS | 150 |
| Tomatillo | 5-6 | 55-90 |
| Tomato | 5-6 | 55-90 |
| Tomato, Ground Cherry (Husk Tomato) | 6-7 | 90-100 |
| Turnip | DS | 40-50 |
| Watermelon | 4-6 | 80-100 |
Days to Maturity for Hydroponically Grown Vegetables
Hydroponics significantly accelerates plant growth, leading to earlier harvests when compared to traditional soil cultivation. To reflect this accelerated growth, the “Days to Maturity” timelines for various vegetables in our list have been adjusted by approximately 30%, based on studies indicating a 30-40% reduction in time to harvest for hydroponically grown crops.
Important note: The following ranges are estimates only and are calculated by applying a 30% reduction in time to a normal “days to maturity” chart (like the one above). It’s highly unlikely that every one of these ranges below is exact, as there are not individual studies for every vegetable. Please treat this chart as an estimate only and understand that it’s more likely to accurately capture leafy greens, herbs, and root vegetables than it is fruiting, vining, or long-maturing vegetables (like asparagus).
| Vegetable | Days to Maturity From Seed (Adjusted 30%) |
|---|---|
| Artichoke | 60-84 |
| Arugula | 21-28 |
| Asparagus, Seed | 1.4 to 2.1 years |
| Asparagus, Crown | 0.7 to 1.4 years |
| Celtuce | 56 |
| Bean, Bush | 35-49 |
| Bean, Lima Bush | 53-56 |
| Bean, Lima Pole | 60-63 |
| Bean, Pole | 39-46 |
| Bean, Scarlet Runner | 42-49 |
| Bean, Yardlong | 53-60 |
| Beet | 32-39 |
| Belgian Endive (Witloof Chicory) | 70-84 |
| Black-Eyed Pea (Cowpea, Southern Pea) | 74-88 |
| Bok Choy | 21-35 |
| Broccoli | 35-56 |
| Brussels Sprout | 56-74 |
| Cabbage | 46-67 |
| Cabbage, Chinese | 49-63 |
| Carrot | 42-56 |
| Cauliflower | 46-56 |
| Celeriac | 63-84 |
| Celery | 84-98 |
| Chard, Swiss | 39-46 |
| Chicory (Endive, Escarole) | 35-42 |
| Chicory, Italian Dandelion | 32-39 |
| Chive | 56-63 |
| Collards | 46-60 |
| Corn, Sweet | 46-63 |
| Corn Salad (Mâche, Feldsalat) | 32-39 |
| Cress | 18-32 |
| Cucumber | 32-46 |
| Edamame | 60-70 |
| Eggplant | 53-67 |
| Fennel (Finocchio) | 70-84 |
| Garbanzo (Chickpea) | 60-88 |
| Garlic | 63-105 |
| Horseradish | 98-112 |
| Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke) | 77-105 |
| Kale | 39-56 |
| Kohlrabi | 42-49 |
| Leek | 56-63 |
| Lettuce, Head | 39-56 |
| Lettuce, Leaf | 32-42 |
| Muskmelon (Cantaloupe) | 53-67 |
| Mustard Greens | 25-46 |
| New Zealand Spinach | 49-56 |
| Onion, Set | 63-77 |
| Onion, Seed | 56-84 |
| Parsley | 53-63 |
| Parsnip | 70-84 |
| Pea | 46-60 |
| Pepper | 42-56 |
| Potato | 63-74 |
| Pumpkin | 49-77 |
| Radicchio | 46-63 |
| Radish | 14-21 |
| Rutabaga | 56-63 |
| Salsify | 77-105 |
| Shallot | 42-53 |
| Spinach | 21-28 |
| Squash, Summer | 32-42 |
| Squash, Winter | 60-84 |
| Sweet Potato | 105-105 |
| Tomatillo | 39-63 |
| Tomato | 39-63 |
| Tomato, Ground Cherry (Husk Tomato) | 63-70 |
| Turnip | 28-35 |
| Watermelon | 56-70 |
The Importance of Knowing Transplant Times
Understanding the appropriate transplant times for various vegetables is a cornerstone of successful gardening. This knowledge is particularly crucial for ensuring that plants are moved to their growing environments when they are most likely to thrive. Transplanting at the optimal time helps in several key ways:
Enhanced Plant Health: Transplanting at the correct time minimizes plant stress and shock, promoting healthier growth and development. This is especially important for young seedlings, which are particularly vulnerable during the early stages of growth.
Maximized Yield: Plants transplanted at the right time have a better chance of reaching full maturity and producing maximum yields. This timing ensures that plants have the appropriate length of growing season needed for optimal development.
Pest and Disease Management: Timely transplantation can help in avoiding certain pests and diseases that are prevalent at different times of the year. This strategic timing is a key aspect of integrated pest management.
Resource Optimization: Knowing when to transplant allows gardeners to plan and utilize their space and resources more efficiently. It enables a more structured approach to gardening, where each plant is given the attention and care it needs at the right time.
The Importance of Knowing Harvest Times
Recognizing the optimal harvest times for different vegetables is fundamental for achieving successful outcomes in gardening. This knowledge is essential for several reasons, each of which contributes to the overall health and productivity of your garden:
Peak Flavor and Nutrition: Vegetables harvested at their ideal maturity time offer the best flavor and nutritional value. Knowing when to harvest ensures that you are consuming your produce when it’s at its prime, providing the most delicious and nutritious experience.
Avoiding Over- or Under-Ripeness: Harvesting at the right time prevents vegetables from becoming overripe, which can lead to spoilage, or underripe, which can affect taste and texture. Proper timing is crucial to ensure that produce is at its best quality when consumed.
Maximizing Yield: Timely harvesting often stimulates further production in many vegetable plants, leading to a more abundant yield throughout the growing season. This is especially true for continuously producing crops like tomatoes or zucchinis.
Resource Management: Knowing when to harvest helps in planning the use of garden space and resources effectively. It allows for a continuous cycle of planting, growing, and harvesting, ensuring that garden space is used efficiently throughout the growing season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where does this information come from?
This chart, widely recognized and shared within academic communities, has its origins in the work of Kumar et al. (2009, pp. 3-4: Kumar, G.N.M., F.E. Larsen, and K.A. Schiekel, “Propagating Plants from Seed”, Washington State University Extension Publication PNW0170). The data and insights (plant maturity days and transplant chart for soil) utilized in this resource are derived from the comprehensive research available through the Washington State University Extension.
Does hydroponics really accelerate plant growth?
Yes, hydroponics can significantly accelerate plant growth. It’s important to note, however, that the extent of this acceleration varies based on specific growing conditions. Indoor hydroponic systems, when maintained under optimal conditions, often experience the most pronounced growth acceleration. In contrast, outdoor hydroponic setups may exhibit growth rates more similar to traditional soil cultivation. The hydroponic timeline provided above is based on plants grown in ideal, indoor hydroponic environments.
How do I know when it’s the right time to transplant my vegetable seedlings?
The ideal time to transplant seedlings varies depending on the vegetable type. Generally, it’s when they have developed their first set of true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle the outdoor environment. In addition to the chart(s) above above, check specific guidelines for each vegetable, as some may require different conditions.
Can I harvest vegetables early if they look big enough?
While size is an indicator, it’s not the only factor. It’s important to know the specific maturity indicators for each type of vegetable, like color, firmness, and size. Harvesting too early can lead to underdeveloped flavors and textures.
How does weather affect transplant and harvest times?
Weather plays a significant role. Unusually warm or cold temperatures can accelerate or delay growth. It’s important to monitor local weather conditions and adjust your gardening schedule accordingly.
Is it better to transplant in the morning or evening?
Transplanting during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, is generally best. This helps reduce plant stress and shock.
How can I tell if my vegetables are overripe?
Signs of overripeness include discoloration, soft spots, and an overgrowth size. Some vegetables may also start to show signs of seed formation or a change in texture.
Do all vegetables need to be harvested at once?
No, many vegetables can be harvested progressively as they mature. This is especially true for leafy greens and some root vegetables.
Can I transplant directly from indoors to outdoors?
Seedlings raised indoors should be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions through a process called hardening off. This involves exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods over several days.
How important is soil quality in determining transplant and harvest times?
Good soil quality can improve growth rates and overall plant health, potentially affecting transplant and harvest times. Ensure your soil is well-prepared and nutrient-rich.