Vertical Farming Crops and Plants

Vertical farming offers a sustainable and efficient method for producing a wide range of vertical farming crops in urban environments. This article provides a comprehensive vertical farming crops list, discussing the best crops for vertical farming and best plants for vertical farming. By selecting suitable crop varieties and employing the appropriate vertical farming methodologies, growers can maximize their yield and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food production system. In this article, we explore various crops grown in vertical farming, focusing on which plants can be grown in vertical farming and crops suitable for vertical farming.

Note: During the following article we will mention the different types of vertical farming techniques and systems that can be used with the different types of crops and plants recommended.

We recommend that if you do not know them yet, you should read our article beforehand, in order to understand faster and better what we are going to mention next.

Leafy Greens

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for leafy greens

Leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, spinach, and arugula are ideal for vertical farming due to their short growth cycles and modest space requirements. These crops can be grown using hydroponic or aeroponic systems.

Vertical farming planting steps for leafy greens

1. Select the desired plant variety and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Prepare the vertical farming system by setting up the required equipment, such as a nutrient reservoir, growing trays or towers, and LED lights.
3. For hydroponic systems, fill the reservoir with a nutrient-rich water solution and ensure the proper pH level is maintained.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Provide adequate lighting, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Monitor temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels, adjusting as necessary to ensure optimal growing conditions.
7. Harvest the leafy greens when they reach the desired size and maturity.

Herbs

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for herbs

Herbs such as basil, mint, cilantro, and parsley have high yields and can be harvested continuously, making them popular choices for vertical farming. These crops can be grown using hydroponic or aeroponic systems.

Vertical farming planting steps for herbs

1. Choose the herb variety and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Regularly monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
7. Harvest the herbs as needed, taking care not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time to encourage continuous growth.

Microgreens

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for microgreens

Microgreens like broccoli, radish, and mustard are highly nutritious and can be cultivated in just a few weeks, making them ideal for vertical farming. These crops can be grown using hydroponic or aeroponic systems.

Vertical farming planting steps for microgreens

1. Select the desired microgreen variety and obtain seeds.
2. Prepare the vertical farming system with the necessary equipment, such as nutrient reservoirs, growing trays, and LED lights.
3. Fill the reservoir with a nutrient-rich water solution and ensure the proper pH level for hydroponic systems.
4. Spread seeds evenly across the growing medium, such as a coconut coir mat, and place the mat in the growing trays.
5. Provide adequate lighting, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Monitor temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels, adjusting as necessary to ensure optimal growing conditions.
7. Harvest the microgreens when they develop their first set of true leaves, typically within 2-4 weeks after germination. Use a sharp, clean pair of scissors to cut the microgreens just above the growing medium.

Strawberries

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for strawberries

Strawberries can be grown vertically using hydroponic systems, such as nutrient film technique (NFT) or vertical towers, resulting in higher yields and reduced need for pesticides.

Vertical farming planting steps for strawberries

1. Choose a suitable strawberry variety, preferably one that is day-neutral or everbearing, and obtain bare-root plants or runners.
2. Set up the hydroponic system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing channels or vertical towers, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the nutrient solution, ensuring the correct nutrient levels and pH balance.
4. Plant the strawberry plants or runners in the growing medium, such as perlite or coconut coir, and place them in the growing channels or towers.
5. Provide proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
7. Harvest the strawberries when they are fully ripe, typically 4-6 weeks after planting, depending on the variety.

Tomatoes and Peppers

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for tomatoes and peppers

Tomatoes and peppers can be grown in vertical farming systems using hydroponic or aeroponic techniques, resulting in more uniform growth and reduced exposure to pests.

Vertical farming planting steps for tomatoes and peppers

1. Select the desired tomato or pepper variety, ideally one with a compact or dwarf habit, and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Regularly monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
7. Prune the plants as needed to encourage a bushier growth habit and better air circulation.
8. Harvest tomatoes and peppers when they reach the desired size and color, typically 2-4 months after planting, depending on the variety.

Edible Flowers

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for edible flowers

Edible flowers, such as nasturtiums, violas, and marigolds, can add visual appeal and unique flavors to dishes. These ornamental crops can be grown using hydroponic or aeroponic systems in vertical farms.

Vertical farming planting steps for edible flowers

1. Choose the desired edible flower variety and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
7. Harvest edible flowers when they are fully open and vibrant in color, typically a few weeks to months after planting, depending on the variety. Use a clean pair of scissors to cut the flowers close to the stem.

Mushrooms

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for mushrooms

Although not a plant, mushrooms can be a profitable and nutritious addition to vertical farms. They can be grown in vertical shelving systems or hanging bags, depending on the mushroom species.

Vertical farming planting steps for mushrooms

1. Select the desired mushroom variety, such as oyster, shiitake, or button mushrooms, and obtain mushroom spawn or ready-to-fruit mushroom kits.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including shelving units or hanging bags, and LED lights if necessary (some mushroom varieties require little to no light).
3. Prepare the growing substrate, such as straw, sawdust, or grain, depending on the mushroom species. Sterilize the substrate to eliminate contaminants.
4. Inoculate the substrate with the mushroom spawn, ensuring even distribution for uniform growth.
5. Place the inoculated substrate in growing bags or trays and position them on the shelves or hang them in the vertical farming area.
6. Maintain proper temperature, humidity, and air circulation for the selected mushroom variety.
7. Harvest mushrooms when they reach the desired size, typically 2-4 weeks after inoculation, depending on the variety. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the mushrooms at the base of the stem.

Root Vegetables

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for roots

While less common, certain root vegetables, such as radishes, beets, and carrots, can be grown in vertical farming systems using specially designed containers or hydroponic methods that accommodate their growth habits.

Vertical farming planting steps for roots

1. Choose the desired root vegetable variety, preferably one with a shorter taproot or a more compact growth habit, and obtain seeds.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including deep containers or hydroponic growing trays, and LED lights.
3. For hydroponic systems, prepare the nutrient solution, ensuring the correct nutrient levels and pH balance.
4. Fill the containers or hydroponic trays with a suitable growing medium, such as a perlite-vermiculite mix or coconut coir, providing adequate depth for root development.
5. Sow seeds directly into the growing medium, ensuring proper spacing to prevent overcrowding.
6. Provide proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
7. Monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
8. Harvest root vegetables when they reach the desired size and maturity, typically 4-12 weeks after planting, depending on the variety. Gently remove the vegetables from the growing medium to avoid damage.

Legumes

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for legumes

Dwarf or bush varieties of legumes, such as peas and beans, can be successfully grown in vertical farming systems using hydroponic or aeroponic methods, paired with a support structure to accommodate their climbing or bushy growth habits.

Vertical farming planting steps for legums

1. Select a suitable dwarf or bush legume variety and obtain seeds.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, support structures (such as trellises or netting), and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Install support structures to encourage upward growth and prevent overcrowding.
6. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
7. Regularly monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
8. Harvest legumes when the pods are filled out but still tender, typically 6-10 weeks after planting, depending on the variety. Use a clean pair of scissors or your fingers to gently remove the pods from the plant.

Cucumbers

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for cucumbers

Cucumbers, particularly dwarf or bush varieties, can be grown in vertical farming systems using hydroponic or aeroponic methods. Their vining growth habit makes them suitable for vertical farms when paired with support structures, such as trellises or netting.

Vertical farming planting steps for cucumbers

1. Select a suitable dwarf or bush cucumber variety and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, support structures, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Install support structures to encourage upward growth and prevent overcrowding.
6. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
7. Regularly monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
8. Harvest cucumbers when they reach the desired size and maturity, typically 8-12 weeks after planting, depending on the variety.

Chard

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for chards

Chard, a leafy green vegetable, can be grown in vertical farming systems using hydroponic or aeroponic methods. Its high yields and adaptability to various growing conditions make it an ideal choice for vertical farming.

Vertical farming planting steps for chard

1. Select a suitable chard variety and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
7. Harvest chard leaves when they reach the desired size and maturity, typically 6-8 weeks after planting, depending on the variety.

Zucchini

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for Zucchini

Zucchini, also known as courgettes, particularly bush or dwarf varieties, can be grown in vertical farming systems using hydroponic or aeroponic methods. Support structures, such as trellises or netting, can be used to accommodate their vining growth habit.

Vertical farming planting steps for Zucchini

1. Select a suitable bush or dwarf zucchini variety and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, support structures, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Install support structures to encourage upward growth and prevent overcrowding.
6. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
7. Regularly monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
8. Harvest zucchini when they reach the desired size and maturity, typically 6-8 weeks after planting, depending on the variety.

Squash, Butternut Squash

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for squash

Squash, including butternut and other svarieties, can be grown in vertical farming systems using hydroponic or aeroponic methods. Due to their vining growth habit, support structures, such as trellises or netting, are necessary to accommodate their growth.

Vertical farming planting steps for Squash

1. Select a suitable squash variety and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, support structures, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Install support structures to encourage upward growth and prevent overcrowding.
6. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
7. Monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
8. Harvest squash when they reach the desired size and maturity, typically 3-4 months after planting, depending on the variety.

Onions 

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for onions

Onions, especially smaller and faster-maturing varieties such as scallions and pearl onions, can be grown in vertical farming systems using hydroponic or aeroponic methods. These methods help to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests while also promoting faster growth and higher yields.

Vertical farming planting steps for onions

1. Choose the desired onion variety, preferably a smaller and faster-maturing type, and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Regularly monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
7. Harvest onions when they reach the desired size and maturity, typically 8-12 weeks after planting for scallions and pearl onions, depending on the variety. Gently remove the onions from the growing medium to avoid damage.

Okra

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for okra

Okra can be grown in vertical farming systems using hydroponic or aeroponic methods. It is important to select dwarf or bush varieties to better accommodate the limited space in vertical farms.

Vertical farming planting steps for okra

1. Select a suitable dwarf or bush okra variety and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Regularly monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
7. Harvest okra pods when they are tender and approximately 2-4 inches long, typically 50-60 days after planting, depending on the variety.

Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Suitable Vertical Farming Methodologies for Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Potatoes and sweet potatoes can be grown in vertical farming systems using hydroponic or aeroponic methods, with the latter being more common for these crops. Specialized container systems, such as vertical towers or stacked grow bags, are used to accommodate the tuber-producing plants.

Vertical farming planting steps for potatoes and sweet potatoes

1. Select a suitable potato or sweet potato variety and obtain seed potatoes or slips.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, vertical towers or stacked grow bags, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Plant seed potatoes or slips in the growing medium, such as perlite or coconut coir, and position them in the towers or grow bags.
5. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Regularly monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
7. Harvest potatoes or sweet potatoes when they reach the desired size and maturity, typically 3-4 months after planting, depending on the variety.

Eggplant

Suitable vertical farming methodologies for eggplant

Eggplant can be grown in vertical farming systems using hydroponic or aeroponic methods. Select compact or dwarf varieties to better accommodate the limited space in vertical farms.

Vertical farming planting steps for eggplants

1. Select a suitable compact or dwarf eggplant variety and obtain seeds or seedlings.
2. Set up the vertical farming system, including nutrient reservoirs, growing trays or towers, and LED lights.
3. Prepare the hydroponic or aeroponic system with the appropriate nutrient solution and pH level.
4. Place seeds or seedlings in the growing medium, such as rockwool or coconut coir, and position them in the trays or towers.
5. Ensure proper lighting conditions, maintaining a consistent photoperiod and light intensity for optimal growth.
6. Regularly monitor and adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels to maintain ideal growing conditions.
7. Harvest eggplant when they reach the desired size and maturity, typically 3-4 months after planting, depending on the variety.

In conclusion, vertical farming provides an innovative solution for producing a diverse range of crops in urban environments, including leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, fruits, edible flowers, mushrooms, root vegetables, and legumes. The vertical farm grows plants in a space-efficient manner, catering to various market demands while contributing to a more sustainable and efficient food production system. By selecting the best crops for vertical farming and utilizing the appropriate planting methodologies, growers can optimize their vertical farming systems to ensure successful cultivation and meet the growing demand for local, sustainable food production.

If all this overwhelms you, don’t worry, we are here to help you and guide you through the vertical farming process.