What are Edible Perennials?
Edible perennials are simply those that require less work, come back in the garden each year and, of course, you can eat. This can include vegetables, herbs, fruits, and even flowering plants. By planting perennials that you can eat, you don’t have to replant them each year. Generally, they die back in winter, coming back once again in spring – or even summer, making your gardening endeavors much easier.
Edible Perennials for Zone 5 Gardens
Here is just a sampling of some edible perennials that will grow in zone 5:
Vegetables
Asparagus – It takes about three years to get established, but once asparagus is ready, it will produce reliably for decades. Rhubarb – Rhubarb is extra tough and actually prefers colder climates. As long as you hold off on eating it for the first growing season to allow it to establish, it should come back again and again for years. Ramps – A cousin of onion, leek, and garlic, the ramp is a pungent vegetable that can be grown in zone 5.
Herbs
Sorrel – One of the first things that’s ready to eat in the spring, sorrel has a biting acidic taste that’s just right when you’re craving something green. Chives – Another very early herb, chives have a strong, oniony taste that goes well in salads. Culinary Herbs – A lot of green herbs are usually hardy to zone 5. These include:
Thyme Parsley Mint Sage
Fruit
Berries – All of these plants are cold hardy edible perennials that are well worth the space in your garden:
Blueberries Strawberries Raspberries Blackberries Cranberries Currants Mulberries
Fruit Trees – A lot of fruit trees actually need a certain number of cold days in order to produce fruit. The following fruit trees can all be found in zone 5 hardy varieties:
Apples Pears Peaches Plums Persimmons Cherries Pawpaws Apricots
Nut Trees – Walnuts and chestnuts both grow well in zone 5. Vines – Hardy kiwi is a long vine that produces little versions of the fruit you find in the store. It comes in some extremely cold hardy varieties. Another extra hardy fruiting vine, grapes can produce for years and years. Different varieties are better for different uses, so know what you’re after (wine, jam, eating) before you buy.
Flowers
Pansy – pansies, along with their violet cousins, are hardy little flowers that you can eat. Many types come back each year. Daylilies – commonly planted perennial flowers, daylilies make tasty treats when battered and cooked.
