Best Hydroponic Plants: 12 Vegetables, Herbs & Greens That Thrive Without Soil

Hydroponics isn’t just for commercial farms or science labs—today, anyone can grow fresh, nutrient-rich food at home using soil-free gardening methods. And the secret to success lies in choosing the best hydroponic plants that grow fast, yield abundantly, and adapt easily to water-based systems.

In this definitive 2024 guide, we reveal the 12 top-performing hydroponic plants , including leafy greens, aromatic herbs, and juicy vegetables—all proven to thrive in Deep Water Culture, NFT, Krattky, and other popular setups.

Whether you’re using a countertop AeroGarden or building a DIY nutrient film technique system, this list will help you plan a productive, year-round indoor harvest.

Let’s explore which plants deliver the biggest bang for your buck in a hydroponic garden .

What Makes a Plant Ideal for Hydroponics?

Not all plants respond well to soilless growing. The best hydroponic plants share these traits:

• Shallow root systems
• Fast growth cycle
• High water content
• Low nutrient demands
• Compact size

Plants like tomatoes and cucumbers can work—but they need strong support and intense light. Beginners should start with simpler crops before advancing.

Top 12 Best Hydroponic Plants (Ranked by Ease & Yield)

1. Lettuce (All Varieties)

⏱️ Time to Harvest: 4–6 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 60–70°F
💡 Light: 12–14 hrs/day

Butterhead, romaine, looseleaf—lettuce is the #1 choice for hydroponic beginners . It grows rapidly, tastes sweeter than store-bought, and regrows after cutting.

👉 Pro Tip: Use the “cut-and-come-again” method—harvest outer leaves only.

2. Basil

⏱️ Time: 6–8 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 70–80°F
💡 Light: 12–16 hrs/day

Fragrant, flavorful, and incredibly productive. Basil loves warm temperatures and consistent nutrients.

👉 Warning: Prone to powdery mildew—ensure good airflow.

3. Spinach

⏱️ Time: 6 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 60–65°F
💡 Light: 12 hrs/day

Rich in iron and vitamins, spinach performs exceptionally well in hydroponic systems, especially DWC and NFT.

👉 Tip: Harvest young leaves for tender texture.

4. Kale

⏱️ Time: 6–8 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 60–70°F
💡 Light: 14 hrs/day

Nutrient-dense and cold-tolerant, kale grows vigorously in water-based systems.

👉 Variety Pick: Dwarf Green or Red Russian for smaller setups.

5. Swiss Chard

⏱️ Time: 6–7 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 60–75°F
💡 Light: 12–14 hrs/day

Colorful stalks and hearty leaves make chard a visual and nutritional standout.

👉 Harvest Method: Cut outer leaves; inner ones keep growing.

6. Arugula

⏱️ Time: 3–4 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 55–65°F
💡 Light: 12 hrs/day

Peppery and fast-growing, arugula is perfect for quick salads and sandwiches.

👉 Bonus: Flowers are edible and attract pollinators.

7. Cilantro

⏱️ Time: 4–6 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 60–70°F
💡 Light: 12 hrs/day

Harder to grow in soil due to bolting, but cilantro thrives hydroponically with cooler temps and steady moisture.

👉 Hack: Grow successive batches every 2 weeks for continuous supply.

8. Mint

⏱️ Time: 6–8 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 65–75°F
💡 Light: 12–14 hrs/day

Vigorous and aromatic, mint does well in water culture—but contain it, as it spreads aggressively.

👉 Use Case: Perfect for teas, cocktails, desserts.

9. Cherry Tomatoes

⏱️ Time: 8–10 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 70–80°F
💡 Light: 14–16 hrs/day

Require more effort but reward with sweet, juicy fruit. Use a trellis or cage for support.

👉 Recommended Variety: ‘Red Robin’ or ‘Tiny Tim’ (dwarf types).

10. Cucumbers (Bush Varieties)

⏱️ Time: 8 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 70–80°F
💡 Light: 14–16 hrs/day

Train vines vertically. Choose parthenocarpic (seedless) varieties for indoor pollination-free growth.

👉 Tip: Harvest frequently to encourage more fruit.

11. Peppers (Mini Bell or Chili)

⏱️ Time: 9–12 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 75–85°F
💡 Light: 14–16 hrs/day

Compact pepper plants produce colorful, flavorful fruits ideal for stir-fries and salsas.

👉 Start Early: Germinate seeds indoors before transplanting.

12. Strawberries

⏱️ Time: 10–12 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 60–80°F
💡 Light: 14 hrs/day

Sweet, red, and perfect for vertical towers. Everbearing varieties provide fruit all season.

👉 Key: Keep crowns above water level to prevent rot.

Best Hydroponic Systems for These Plants

👉 Beginner Pick: Krattky method for greens; AeroGarden for herbs.

Nutrient & Lighting Needs

Use a balanced hydroponic nutrient solution (e.g., General Hydroponics Flora Series). Maintain pH between 5.5–6.5 .

For lighting:

• Seedlings/Greens: 12–14 hrs/day
• Fruiting Plants: 14–16 hrs/day
• Bulb Type: Full-spectrum LED grow lights (20–40 watts/sq ft)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Final Thoughts: Grow Smarter, Not Harder

Choosing the best hydroponic plants sets you up for success in soil-free gardening . From crisp lettuce to fragrant basil and sweet strawberries, these 12 crops deliver maximum flavor, nutrition, and satisfaction—with minimal space and effort.

Start with leafy greens and herbs, master the system, then graduate to fruiting plants. Before long, you’ll be harvesting pesticide-free produce grown entirely without dirt.