Let’s face it – children have the attention span of a butterfly. 

When it comes to gardening, waiting months to see results can feel like an eternity for your little one. Fortunately, there are plants that pop up faster than a toddler’s mood swing. Read through our list of quick-growing plants that will turn your children into gardening lovers without boredom entering the equation.

Radish race

Radishes are the sprinters of the vegetable world, perfect for introducing your kids to the joy of gardening. 

In just three weeks, these crisp, peppery vegetables transform from tiny seeds to harvest-ready crops. Your little ones will be amazed watching bright red or white roots push through the soil, offering an almost instant reward for their gardening efforts. 

Plant seeds directly in loose, well-draining soil, and water consistently. Within about three weeks your little gardener can literally pull their own food from the ground – a moment of pure excitement that will spark their love for growing things.

Learn more about how to grow your own radishes, here.

Full of beans

Green beans are a miracle of growth. Whether bush or pole varieties, these plants shoot up with remarkable speed. 

Start with seeds directly in the ground or in a container, and watch as shoots emerge within days. Bush beans are particularly child-friendly, growing to full size in just 50 to 55 days and producing multiple harvests. 

The process of watching a tiny seed transform into a plant laden with beans is like witnessing a bit of garden magic. Plus, picking their own beans will be an adventure that connects your little ones directly to their food.

Walking on sunshine

Nothing captures a child’s imagination quite like a sunflower. 

These cheerful giants can grow an astonishing 30 centimetres in a single week during peak growing season. 

Plant the seeds in a sunny spot with good soil, and your kids can literally measure their progress daily. Some varieties can reach heights of three metres, creating a living measuring stick that kids can marvel at. 

The large seeds are easy for small hands to plant, and the rapid growth provides instant gratification that keeps your young gardener engaged and excited. Here are some tips to ensure the best growth for your sunflower.

Mighty microgreens

For impatient young gardeners with limited space, microgreens are the ideal solution. 

These baby vegetable greens can be harvested in just 7–14 days, making them the ultimate quick-grow project. Perfect for windowsills or small containers, microgreens like radish, sunflower, and pea shoots provide an instant gardening win. Follow this guide to growing your own microgreens.

Children can plant, water and harvest these nutritional powerhouses in less time than it takes to watch a few cartoons. The process teaches patience and care, and provides a delicious, nutritious reward.

Nasturtiums: colourful and edible blooms

Nasturtiums are the superheroes of the quick-growing flower world. 

In just one to two months, these vibrant plants transform from seeds to full, cascading flowers. What makes them extra special for kids is that they’re completely edible – adding a peppery kick to salads and turning gardening into a delicious adventure. 

Their bright flowers in yellows, oranges and reds are like natural paint splashes in the garden. Your child can plant the seeds, watch them sprout, and then actually eat their creation – an experience that connects them directly to nature.

Explore other edible flowers in this round-up.

Pro tips for young gardeners

• Choose seeds with quick germination times.
• Use clear containers to watch root development – something that will keep the kiddos engaged in the process.
• Create a garden journal to track growth.
• Make watering and caring for plants a daily ritual.
• Celebrate every tiny sprout and milestone.

Our diverse climate offers the perfect playground for these rapid-growth plants. 

From coastal gardens to inland plots, these plants thrive with just a little love and attention. The goal isn’t perfect produce – it’s creating memories with your young ones. A slightly wonky radish or a leaning sunflower is still a triumph of nature and childhood wonder.For all your gardening needs – from quick-growing to the slower and steady plant options, your local Stodels Garden Centre has you covered. Shop seeds and seedlings, tools and everything in between.