The Most Difficult Vegetable to Grow, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the vegetable you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:26
Gardeners often face the challenge of figuring out which vegetables demand the most effort and resources to cultivate successfully. Having a clear understanding of these difficulties can help both novices and experts allocate their time and investments more effectively, enhancing their gardening experience and yield.
By participating in the live ranking of the most challenging vegetables to grow, you contribute to a community-guided resource that aids others in making informed planting decisions. Your input ensures the accuracy and relevance of the information, making this a valuable tool for gardeners around the world.
What Is the Most Difficult Vegetable to Grow?
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145votesAsparagus can take up to three years to establish, and it requires a lot of care and attention to grow successfully. It also requires a specific soil type and pH level.Asparagus is a green vegetable with long, slender stalks and small, pointed tips. It belongs to the lily family and is widely regarded as one of the most challenging foods to pair with wine due to its distinctive flavor profile.
- Color: Green
- Shape: Long, slender stalks with pointed tips
- Family: Lily family
- Flavor: Distinctive and slightly earthy
- Texture: Firm and tender
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241votesArtichokes can be difficult to grow because they require a lot of space, as well as specific temperatures and soil conditions. They also require a lot of water and nutrients.Artichokes are a perennial vegetable from the thistle family, known for their unique and slightly bitter flavor. They have a tight, compacted head composed of numerous edible petals surrounding a fuzzy center called the choke. The most commonly eaten part is the tender fleshy base of the petals, while the choke is usually discarded. Artichokes can be cooked in various ways, including boiling, steaming, grilling, or baking, and are often served with dips or sauces.
- Flavor: Slightly bitter
- Texture: Tender and fleshy
- Edible Parts: Petals and base
- Inedible Part: Choke
- Cooking Methods: Boiling, steaming, grilling, baking
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314votesBrussels sprouts are notorious for being difficult to grow because they are susceptible to pests and diseases. They also require specific soil conditions and temperatures.Brussels sprouts, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera, are a member of the cabbage family and are characterized by small, spherical leafy green buds that grow along the stalk. They are a challenging vegetable to grow due to their specific requirements and sensitivity to certain environmental factors.
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
- Difficulty Level: High
- Climate: Cool and moist
- Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Brussels sprouts in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular green vegetable
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426votesCauliflower is difficult to grow because it is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. It also requires a lot of water and nutrients.Cauliflower is a vegetable that belongs to the Brassica oleracea species, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and kale. It is a member of the cruciferous family, known for its compact, creamy white head and tender, crisp texture. The head (also known as the curd) is composed of undeveloped flower buds, surrounded by green leaves. Cauliflower is a cool-season crop and is best grown in areas with mild temperatures and consistent moisture. It requires a lot of care and attention to reach its full potential.
- Planting season: Cool-season
- Maturity time: 70-100 days from transplanting
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil requirements: Rich, well-draining soil
- Watering needs: Consistent moisture, but not waterlogged
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511votesCelery is difficult to grow because it is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. It also requires a lot of water and nutrients.Celery is a cool-season vegetable known for its crunchy stalks and distinct flavor. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and is scientifically known as Apium graveolens. Cultivating celery can be challenging due to its specific requirements and long growing season.
- Growing Difficulty: Difficult
- Scientific Name: Apium graveolens
- Family: Apiaceae
- Temperature Requirements: Cool-season vegetable; prefers temperatures between 59-70°F (15-21°C)
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
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618votesEggplant is difficult to grow because it requires a long growing season and specific soil conditions. It is also susceptible to pests and diseases.Eggplant is a rich and deep shade of purple that resembles the color of the skin of an eggplant fruit. It is a visually striking color that exudes elegance and sophistication.
- Hex Code: #990066
- RGB Values: 153, 0, 102
- CMYK Values: 0, 100, 33, 40
- HSV Values: 320°, 100%, 60%
- HSL Values: 320°, 100%, 30%
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78votesOkra is difficult to grow because it requires high temperatures and specific soil conditions. It is also susceptible to pests and diseases.Okra, also known as lady's finger or gumbo, is a warm-season vegetable that belongs to the mallow family. It is native to Africa and has spread across many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Okra plants produce tall, sturdy stems with large, lobed leaves and vibrant yellow flowers. The fruit of the okra plant is a green to dark green pod, which is harvested when young and tender. Okra is renowned for its mucilaginous texture and is commonly used in various cuisines, especially in dishes like soups, stews, and pickles.
- Planting Season: Spring, after the last frost
- Difficulty to Grow: Moderate to difficult
- Climate: Warm and humid
- Soil Requirement: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours per day)
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810votes
Llez · CC BY-SA 3.0Sweet potatoes are difficult to grow because they require a long growing season and specific soil conditions. They are also susceptible to pests and diseases.Sweet potatoes are a starchy root vegetable that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. They are known for their sweet taste and orange-colored flesh. Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America and are widely grown around the world today. They have a versatile nature and are used in various culinary preparations, both savory and sweet.- Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatas
- Growth Habit: Vining or bushy
- Climate Requirement: Warm and tropical
- Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy soil
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Sweet potatoes in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular vegetable in Australia
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91votesTomatoes are difficult to grow because they are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. They also require specific soil conditions and temperatures.Tomatoes are a popular topping for tacos that add a refreshing and tangy flavor. They are sliced or diced ripe fruits that belong to the nightshade family. Tomatoes are commonly used in Mexican cuisine to bring a bright and juicy element to tacos. They provide a burst of acidity and moisture that complements the other ingredients.
- Varieties: There are many varieties of tomatoes, such as beefsteak, Roma, cherry, and vine-ripened.
- Color: Tomatoes can be red, orange, yellow, green, or even purplish.
- Texture: They have a soft and fleshy texture.
- Flavor: Tomatoes have a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
- Size: Tomatoes vary in size from small cherry tomatoes to larger ones.
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101votesWatermelon is difficult to grow because it requires a long growing season and specific soil conditions. It is also susceptible to pests and diseases.Watermelon is a large, juicy, and refreshing fruit that is widely loved for its sweet and hydrating flesh. It is known for its vibrant green rind, which is hard and smooth, and its juicy red or pink flesh that is filled with black seeds or sometimes seedless. The flavor of watermelon is both sweet and slightly tangy, making it a perfect summer treat.
- Weight: Varies, typically 4-30 pounds (1.8-13.6 kg)
- Shape: Oval or round
- Size: Can range from small (10-15 cm in diameter) to large (up to 60 cm in diameter)
- Color: Bright green striped rind, red or pink flesh
- Seeds: Black seeds or seedless varieties
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Ranking factors for difficult vegetable
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Climate and weather conditionsSome vegetables are more sensitive to specific climate conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Consider the adaptability of the vegetable to the local climate and the potential for weather-related issues like frost, drought, or excessive heat.
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Soil requirementsDifferent vegetables have different soil requirements, including acidity or alkalinity (pH), nutrient content, and texture. Determine if the vegetable requires a specific type of soil or if it can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
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Pests and diseasesSome vegetables are more susceptible to pests and diseases than others. Consider the likelihood of the crops being affected by pests and diseases and the availability of resistant varieties.
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Growth durationThe length of time from planting to harvest can vary greatly depending on the vegetable. Consider if the growing season is long enough to accommodate the growth and maturation of the plant, as well as potential difficulties in managing long-term maintenance.
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Space requirementsSome vegetables require more space than others, both above ground (for their foliage) and below ground (for their roots). Evaluate if the available space in the garden is sufficient for the growth of the vegetable, and if not, whether it can be grown in a container or using other space-saving techniques.
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Pollination requirementsSome vegetables require cross-pollination to produce fruit, while others can self-pollinate. Consider the availability of pollinators (such as bees) in the area, the ease of hand-pollination, or the presence of other plants needed for cross-pollination.
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Care and maintenanceDifferent vegetables require different levels of care and maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, pruning, and weed control. Consider how much time and effort is needed to maintain the health and productivity of the plant.
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Germination and propagationSome vegetable seeds can be more difficult to germinate or propagate than others, requiring specific temperature ranges, light conditions, or special treatments such as scarification or stratification.
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Harvesting and storageSome vegetables can be more challenging to harvest or have shorter storage periods, leading to added difficulties in growing and consuming the crop.
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Overall yieldSome vegetables may be more difficult to grow but produce a high yield, making the effort worthwhile. Consider the potential yield and value of the crop in relation to its difficulty in growing.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult vegetable to grow. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or vegetable is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1996 views
- 172 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each vegetable once every 24 hours. The rank of each vegetable is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most difficult vegetable to grow
Growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to certain vegetables. Some vegetables require specific conditions, care, and attention to thrive, while others are more hardy and easy to grow. In this article, we will explore the question of what is the most difficult vegetable to grow. While there are many factors that can influence the success of vegetable gardening, we will discuss some of the key challenges that gardeners face when attempting to grow certain vegetables. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, this article will provide valuable insights into the world of vegetable gardening.
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