Vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet, and they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Vegetables are not only good for your health but also a vital part of your daily diet. If you are a farmer or want to grow vegetables but don’t have any specific place to grow vegetables, then you might be worried! But what if you hear that you can grow some vegetables without sunlight.
There are plenty of vegetables that will grow without sunlight. Here are 17 of the best vegetables to grow in low light conditions.
17 Vegetables That Grow Without Sunlight
Asparagus
First is Asparagus which can grow without sunlight. This means that asparagus can be grown in places where there is little or no sunlight, such as indoors or under shade. As long as there is enough moisture in the air, asparagus will happily grow without any sun at all. In fact, too much sun can actually damage asparagus plants and cause them to produce fewer spears.
Beets
Beets are able to grow without sunlight because they are root vegetables. Root vegetables are able to store energy in their roots. This allows them to continue growing even when there is no sunlight available. But it is not the only root vegetable on this list, as many also have to come below.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a type of cabbage, belonging to the Brassica family. It is an annual plant, meaning it only lives for one growing season. Broccoli grows best in full sun, but can also grow in partial shade. The amount of sun needed each day depends on the variety of broccoli. Some varieties need as little as four hours of sunlight each day, while others need eight or more hours.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a type of cabbage that grows in the dark. They are winter vegetables that can also grow without sunlight. Brussels sprouts are grown in the dark for two reasons. First, they need to be kept cool so that they don’t spoil. Second, Brussels sprouts need a long time to mature, and if they are exposed to sunlight, they will mature too quickly and will not taste as good.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is typically green or purple in color. It is grown in a variety of climates but does best in cooler weather. Cabbage can be grown in both full sun and partial shade, but it will not grow well without some sunlight.
Carrots
Carrots are a type of vegetable that can be grown without sunlight. They can be grown in an indoor garden under artificial lighting. The lights should be placed about 12 inches above the plants. If you do not have access to artificial lighting, you can still grow carrots without sunlight. Place the carrots in a dark place, and keep checking to ensure moisture.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, which includes broccoli, cabbage, and kale. All of these vegetables are able to grow in low-light conditions. Cauliflower is particularly well-suited for growing in shady areas because it does not require as much sunlight as other vegetables. In fact, too much sun can actually cause the cauliflower heads to become slightly yellow in color.
Chinese Cabbage
Chinese cabbage is typically a winter vegetable, harvested in late fall or early winter. It grows best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. But it can be grown as a summer crop if given some protection from the heat. Plants can be started indoors in late winter and transplanted outdoors after the last frost date. Or, seeds can be sown directly in the garden in early spring.
Garlic
Garlic is a member of the lily family and is related to leeks, shallots, and chives. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold weather and frost. To grow garlic without sunlight, plant the cloves in autumn in an area that receives full sun during the winter months. The plants will sprout in early spring and should be ready to harvest by early summer.
Leeks
Leeks are a type of onion that can be grown without sunlight. They can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to two months. Leek plants need moist, well-drained soil, and should be planted in early spring. To harvest leeks, wait until the plants have reached at least eight inches in height. Cut the leeks at the base of the plant, about an inch above the soil line.
Lettuce
Lettuce can also grow without sunlight. The leaves of the plant are what is eaten, and they can be grown in either full sun or partial shade. Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures than hot, so it is best to plant it in the spring or fall. The plant does not need much water, and too much water can actually make the leaves taste bitter.
Mint
Mint is a common household herb that is known for its refreshing flavour and aroma. It is a hardy plant that can grow without sunlight and does best in moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will not produce as much flavour if they do not receive at least four hours of sunlight per day. So, you can place the plant near a south-facing window.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that can be grown without sunlight. These greens are packed with nutrients and have a distinct peppery flavour. Mustard greens can be grown in containers or in the ground, and they only require a few hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Start by planting the seeds in well-drained soil, and harvest when leaves sprout out 4 inches above the soil.
Peas
Peas can grow without sunlight if they have access to other light sources. Peas are a type of legume, which means they have nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots. This bacteria helps to convert nitrogen in the air into nitrogen in the soil, which the peas can then use to grow. They can also grow in artificial light sources, which means they can grow indoors without any natural sunlight.
Potatoes
Potatoes can grow in complete darkness due to a process named tuberization, in which the plant produces small tubers that store food and water. These tubers allow the plant to survive in conditions where there is no light. Tuberization is an important process for potatoes because it allows them to be grown in areas where there is little or no sunlight.
Radish
Radish is a root vegetable that can grow without sunlight. It is a Brassicaceae family member, which includes cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. The plant has a taproot, which allows it to reach deep into the soil to fetch water and nutrients. So, it can grow in any type of soil but prefers loose, well-drained soils. A lack of sunlight will not affect the growth of radish.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in nutrients. It can be grown without sunlight by using a process called hydroponics. In hydroponics, plants are grown in water instead of soil. The water is enriched with nutrients that the plants need to grow. As it is also a fast-growing plant, it does not need sunlight for long periods of time. It only needs about 12 hours of darkness to grow properly.
Conclusion
There are many vegetables that grow without sunlight and are a great option for those who do not have access to outdoor space or adequate sunlight. They are also a good choice for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
These vegetables can be grown in a variety of ways, including in hydroponic systems, artificial lighting, and tuberization. We’ve given you 17 vegetables that grow without sunlight. Select a few and grow them in your garden under shades or indoors.