Which plants are suitable for hydroponics?

Which plants are suitable for hydroponics?

For those new to hydroponics, a common question is: "What plants are best suited to this system?" In fact, most plants can be grown hydroponically, but some species perform better in this growing environment. This article provides an overview of the most suitable plants for hydroponic cultivation.

Simple plants to get started

Leafy vegetables

spinach

salad

Other suitable leafy vegetables

Herbs

mint

basil

oregano

rosemary

Other suitable herbs

Fruit vegetables

tomato

Cucumber

paprika

chili

Bean

Other suitable fruit vegetables

Soft fruits

strawberry

Blueberry

Other suitable

cabbage

Root and tuber vegetables

Microgreens

Simple plants to get started

Some plants are particularly suitable for beginners in hydroponics because they require little care and grow quickly. These include leafy vegetables and herbs in particular. They are easy to care for and offer a quick harvest, which makes them ideal for beginners.

Leafy vegetables

Leafy greens thrive particularly well in hydroponic systems and are an excellent choice for beginners. Here are some of the best varieties:

spinach

Spinach prefers moist conditions and grows well in moderate temperatures and low light.

pH value: 6.0 – 6.5

EC value: 1.2 – 2.0

Systems: All

Difficulty level: Medium

Spinach is rich in nutrients and can be harvested quickly, making it ideal for hydroponic growing, especially during the winter months.

salad

Lettuce is one of the most popular plants for hydroponics. It grows quickly, is easy to care for and can be grown in any system.

pH value: 5.5 – 6.5

EC value: 0.8 – 1.6

Systems: All

Difficulty level: Easy to medium

Lettuce takes only a few weeks from sowing to harvest and can be planted densely to maximize yield.

Other suitable leafy vegetables

plant	Difficulty level
arugula	Medium
Swiss chard	Simply
Lamb's lettuce	Simply
endive	Simply
Iceberg lettuce	Medium
Lettuce	Medium
Green mustard	Medium
Oak leaf lettuce	Simply
Asian salad	Simply
sorrel	Simply
Romaine lettuce	Simply
Leaf salad	Simply
Mizuna	Simply
Red mustard	Medium
Celery	Medium

These leafy greens are easy to grow and offer a variety of flavors and nutrients, making them ideal for hydroponics.

Herbs

Herbs are great for growing hydroponically because they take up little space and grow quickly. Here are some of the best herbs for hydroponics:

mint

Mint is easy to care for and grows well in any hydroponic system.

pH value: 6.0 – 7.0

EC value: 1.0 – 1.8

Systems: Deep water culture, wick system, NFT, ebb and flow system, aeroponics

Difficulty level: Medium

Mint grows quickly and robustly. It is versatile and requires little care, making it ideal for beginners.

basil

Basil thrives particularly well when about 5-7 seeds are sown per container.

pH value: 5.5 – 6.5

EC value: 1.0 – 1.8

Systems: All

Difficulty level: Easy

Basil grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times. It needs a lot of light and moderate temperatures.

oregano

Oregano is a slow growing herb and should not be overwatered.

pH value: 6.0 – 7.0

EC value: 1.0 – 1.6

Systems: Wick system, NFT, ebb and flow system

Difficulty level: Medium

Oregano grows slowly and requires less water. It is easy to care for and has many uses in the kitchen.

rosemary

Rosemary prefers systems that do not constantly soak the root system.

pH value: 6.0 – 7.0

EC value: 1.0 – 1.6

Systems: Wick system, NFT, ebb and flow system

Difficulty level: Medium

Rosemary grows slowly and prefers well-ventilated roots. It needs plenty of light and moderate temperatures.

Other suitable herbs

plant	Difficulty level
dill	Medium
chives	Simply
Parsley	Simply
thyme	Medium
marjoram	Medium
sage	Simply
tarragon	Simply
coriander	Simply
lavender	Difficult
Lemon balm	Simply
Stevia	Simply
mint	Simply
chervil	Simply
arugula	Difficult
fennel	Medium
basil	Simply
Borage	Medium
Echinacea	Medium
chamomile	Medium
valerian	Medium
Savory	Simply
Lemongrass	Difficult
Chickweed	Medium
Calendula	Medium
dandelion	Difficult
cumin	Medium
Wormwood	Difficult
hyssop	Medium

These herbs are easy to care for and offer a variety of flavors and health benefits, making them ideal for growing hydroponically.

Fruit vegetables

Fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are more demanding to grow, but are ideal for hydroponics. They require more space and care, but reward you with abundant yields.

tomato

Tomatoes need a lot of light and space as well as good air circulation.

pH value: 5.5 – 6.5

EC value: 2.0 – 5.0

Systems: deep water culture, drip system, ebb and flow system, possibly NFT

Difficulty level: Medium

Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants for hydroponics. They require more care but offer high yields and a variety of varieties.

Cucumber

Cucumbers need space and trellises.

pH value: 5.8 – 6.0

EC value: 1.7 – 2.5

Systems: deep water culture, drip system, ebb and flow system

Difficulty level: Medium

Cucumbers grow quickly and require a lot of space and trellises. They are easy to care for and productive.

paprika

Peppers grow more slowly, but are easy to care for and productive.

pH value: 5.8 – 6.3

EC value: 1.8 – 2.4

Systems: deep water culture, drip system, ebb and flow system

Difficulty level: Medium

Peppers need a lot of light and moderate temperatures. They grow slowly but are robust and offer a rich harvest.

chili

Chili plants need enough space and oxygen.

pH value: 5.5 – 6.0

EC value: 1.4 – 2.3

Systems: drip system, deep water culture, ebb and flow system, NFT if necessary

Difficulty level: Medium

Chilis are hardy and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They require plenty of light and moderate temperatures.

Bean

Beans grow quickly and are ideal for beginners.

pH value: 6.0 – 6.5

EC value: 1.8 – 2.2

Systems: drip system, deep water culture, ebb and flow system, NFT if necessary

Difficulty level: Easy

Beans are easy to care for and grow quickly. They require little space and can be grown in any hydroponic system.

Other suitable fruit vegetables

plant	Difficulty level
aubergine	Medium
Melons	Difficult
zucchini	Medium

Fruiting vegetables require more space and care, but offer high yields and a variety of flavors. Ideal for experienced hydroponic gardeners.

Soft fruits

Soft fruits require more experience in hydroponic cultivation, but can be very productive.

strawberry

Strawberries thrive in systems with good ventilation.

pH value: 5.5 – 6.2

EC value: 1.4 – 3.0

Systems: NFT, deep water culture, ebb and flow system

Difficulty level: Medium

Strawberries are one of the most popular berries for hydroponics. They require good ventilation and moderate temperatures. Strawberries are high yielding and can be harvested multiple times.

Blueberry

Blueberries require an acidic pH value and are more care-intensive.

pH value: 4.5 – 5.5

EC value: 1.0 – 2.0

Systems: NFT, deep water culture, ebb and flow system

Difficulty level: Hard

Blueberries are more demanding and require an acidic pH. They are high maintenance but offer high yields and are rich in antioxidants.

Other suitable berries

plant	Difficulty level
raspberry	Medium
currant	Medium
Gooseberry	Medium

Soft fruits offer a variety of flavors and health benefits, but are more demanding to care for and require more experience.

cabbage

Brassicas are hardy and can be easily grown in hydroponic systems. They provide a good source of nutrients and are ideal for beginners.

plant	Difficulty level
cauliflower	Medium
broccoli	Medium
Chinese cabbage	Medium
Kale	Medium
Cabbage	Medium
Kohlrabi	Medium
Pak choi	Medium
Red cabbage	Medium
White cabbage	Medium

Brassicas are easy to care for, hardy and offer a variety of nutrients, making them ideal for hydroponic beginners.

Root and tuber vegetables

Root vegetables require special systems to thrive properly, but are nutritious and versatile.

plant	Difficulty level
potatoes	Medium
Carrots	Medium
Garlic	Medium
radish	Simply
radish	Simply
Sweet potatoes	Medium
Onions	Medium
Beetroot	Medium

Root vegetables require special systems and more care, but offer a variety of flavors and nutrients.

Microgreens

Microgreens are fast-growing and easy to cultivate, making them ideal for beginners.

plant	Difficulty level
amaranth	Simply
basil	Simply
broccoli	Simply
Peas	Simply
Kale	Simply
coriander	Simply
radish	Simply
arugula	Simply
Mustard	Simply
sunflowers	Simply

Microgreens offer quick yields and are rich in nutrients and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Root and tuber vegetables

Root vegetables require special systems to thrive properly, but are nutritious and versatile.

plant	Difficulty level
potatoes	Medium
Carrots	Medium
Garlic	Medium
radish	Simply
radish	Simply
Sweet potatoes	Medium
Onions	Medium
Beetroot	Medium
Parsnips	Medium
celery	Medium
Black salsify	Medium

Root vegetables require special systems and more care, but offer a variety of flavors and nutrients.

Microgreens

Microgreens are fast-growing and easy to cultivate, making them ideal for beginners.

plant	Difficulty level
amaranth	Simply
basil	Simply
broccoli	Simply
Peas	Simply
Kale	Simply
coriander	Simply
radish	Simply
arugula	Simply
Mustard	Simply
sunflowers	Simply
Wheatgrass	Simply
Leek	Simply
Garlic sprouts	Simply

Microgreens offer quick yields and are rich in nutrients and can be used in a variety of dishes.

The addition of these plants further enhances the variety of possible options for hydroponic growing.

Conclusion

Hydroponics allows you to grow a wide variety of plants. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, there are suitable plants for everyone that can thrive in hydroponic systems with the right conditions. Try it out and discover the diversity of hydroponics!