Have you ever looked at a thriving aquaponics system and thought, “I wish I could grow plants like that!”? Well, you can. And the best part? It’s easier than you might think. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into aquaponics or you’ve been raising fish and growing leafy greens for a while, I’ve gathered a list of 15 amazing plants that absolutely thrive in aquaponics. Some are familiar, others are a bit surprising, but they all work beautifully in these soil-less, water-based systems.
But first—why does a plant do well in aquaponics? It comes down to a few things: how fast it grows, how much nutrient it needs, how deep its roots go, and how happy it is with wet feet. The good news? Many plants love the environment aquaponics provides. Now, let’s explore the stars of your future aquaponic garden!
1. Lettuce (Butterhead, Romaine, Leafy Varieties)
Lettuce is hands-down one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow in aquaponics. It grows fast, doesn’t demand much, and responds beautifully to the nutrient-rich water that fish provide. Plus, it’s lightweight and doesn’t need heavy support, making it perfect for floating raft or NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) systems.
What I love most about lettuce is how quickly it rewards you. You can usually harvest in just 30 to 40 days, and if you pick the outer leaves, it just keeps growing. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving. Not to mention, it’s a staple in the kitchen—perfect for salads, wraps, sandwiches, and garnishes.
If you’re new to aquaponics, start with lettuce. You’ll learn the basics without the stress of managing a finicky crop. Make sure your system stays clean, the water stays between 65-75°F, and you’ll be harvesting crisp greens in no time.
2. Kale
Kale is another leafy green that’s a superstar in aquaponics. It’s a nutrient-dense powerhouse that doesn’t just survive in these systems—it thrives. You’ll find it especially happy in cooler temperatures, which is great if your setup is in a shaded area or during colder months.
The cool thing about kale is that you can keep harvesting the outer leaves, and the plant will keep producing more. That means one kale plant can give you fresh greens for weeks or even months. It’s a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, and perfect for smoothies, sautés, and salads.
To grow the best kale, maintain a water pH around 6.0–7.5 and avoid overcrowding the system. It likes its space and airflow. Bonus: its rugged leaves deter many pests, so it’s a pretty low-maintenance crop.
3. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is one of my favorite aquaponic crops simply because it’s so vibrant. The rainbow-colored stems make it feel like you’re growing something exotic, yet it’s incredibly easy to manage. It grows quickly, produces continuously, and handles a variety of water conditions.
Chard is similar to spinach in flavor but more versatile in terms of growing conditions. It can tolerate higher pH levels and doesn’t mind the occasional temperature swing. That makes it perfect for beginners who are still mastering the balancing act of nutrients, fish, and plants.
One tip: harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from bolting. The leaves are great cooked or raw, and you can even juice them. It’s a colorful, healthy, and forgiving addition to your setup.
4. Basil
Basil and aquaponics are a match made in gardening heaven. If you’ve ever grown basil in soil, you know it can be a bit fussy—too much water and it gets root rot. But in an aquaponic system, the balance of oxygen and nutrients makes it flourish like crazy.
It grows fast, smells amazing, and is one of those herbs that adds value not just to your meals but to your entire system. It helps repel pests, improves the aroma around your garden, and is a favorite for selling at farmer’s markets or giving to friends.
You’ll get the best results by keeping the water warm (above 70°F) and giving your basil plenty of light—12 to 16 hours a day is ideal. Trim it regularly, and you’ll have fresh pesto ingredients for months.
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a little more work, but totally worth it in aquaponics. They’re heavy feeders, so they love the nutrient-rich water, but they’ll also test your system’s stability. That said, if you’ve got a little experience under your belt, give them a try!
They need a media bed or Dutch bucket system for proper support, and they’ll appreciate pruning and staking. With the right conditions, you’ll see incredible growth and get juicy, flavorful tomatoes that beat anything store-bought.
Watch out for pests and make sure your water stays between 68–78°F. Some varieties are better suited than others—look for compact or bush types for easier management in limited space.
6. Strawberries
You might not expect it, but strawberries actually do really well in aquaponics—especially vertical or tower systems. They don’t need deep roots and love the steady supply of moisture and nutrients. Plus, who doesn’t want a constant supply of sweet, pesticide-free berries?
Pollination is something you’ll need to handle if your system is indoors—just shake the flowers gently or use a small paintbrush. But once they start producing, you’ll be amazed at how productive a single tower of strawberry plants can be.
They prefer cooler temperatures (60–75°F), and you’ll want to watch pH and nutrient levels closely. But with some care, you’ll be popping ripe berries straight into your mouth all season.
7. Watercress
If there’s any plant made for aquaponics, it’s watercress. This semi-aquatic green grows like wildfire in moist conditions, making it ideal for floating raft systems or even a trickling wall.
It’s a superfood packed with nutrients and a peppery bite that adds flair to salads, soups, and sandwiches. It also has natural antibacterial properties, which can be helpful in keeping your system balanced.
Harvest frequently to keep it from taking over and getting bitter. A quick trim every week or two encourages new, tender growth and keeps your system neat.
8. Peppers (Bell & Hot Varieties)
Peppers are like the spice of life in an aquaponic garden. They love the nutrients and do well in warmer environments. You’ll need a media bed system for support, but once established, they’ll crank out pods like crazy.
Whether you love sweet bell peppers or prefer a fiery jalapeño, peppers add great value and variety. They’re also great for pollinator attraction if your system is outdoors.
They’ll need good light and consistent water temps around 70–80°F. Prune them for shape, provide stakes, and enjoy colorful harvests all summer long.
9. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another high-yield option that love aquaponics, especially when you give them space to climb. Vertical trellises are your best friend here, helping maximize space while keeping fruit clean and healthy.
They’re fast-growing, high-water-content crops that love the steady hydration aquaponics offers. Just be careful with root rot and make sure they get good airflow.
You’ll want to choose bush or compact varieties if space is limited. Harvest regularly to encourage more fruiting. A crisp, homegrown cucumber is a refreshing reward for your effort!
10. Mint
Mint is practically unstoppable. In aquaponics, it grows even faster than in soil, which is saying something. That’s why I always suggest growing it in containers within your system so it doesn’t take over everything else.
It loves wet roots, moderate sunlight, and will provide you with a steady stream of fresh leaves for teas, desserts, and even pest control (its aroma repels insects naturally).
Trim it often to keep it bushy and productive. Just be warned: once you start growing mint, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
11. Spinach
Spinach thrives in aquaponics, especially in slightly cooler environments. It grows fast, is nutrient-rich, and has shallow roots that work well in raft or NFT systems.
You can begin harvesting baby leaves in just a few weeks, making it one of the fastest turnarounds in your aquaponics garden. It’s perfect for salads, sautés, or throwing into your morning smoothie.
Keep the water pH between 6.0–7.0 and provide indirect light to prevent leaf burn. You’ll have lush, deep green leaves that even picky eaters will enjoy.
12. Green Beans
Green beans are incredibly productive and easy to grow in media beds. They’re also nitrogen-fixing plants, which can help keep your system’s nitrogen cycle balanced naturally.
They need vertical support, but they don’t take up a ton of space otherwise. Harvest often and they’ll keep producing for several weeks straight.
They love warm temperatures and lots of light. Watch for mildew or aphids, and don’t be surprised if your harvest gets a little out of hand—in a good way.
13. Pak Choi (Bok Choy)
Pak choi grows fast and doesn’t require a lot of fuss. It loves the moist, stable conditions of aquaponics and responds well to raft systems or shallow grow beds.
It’s got a mild flavor and tender texture, perfect for soups, stir-fries, or as a fresh green side dish. It matures in as little as 30 days and doesn’t mind being harvested young.
Keep the water cool and clean, and it will practically grow itself. It’s an underappreciated leafy green you’ll be glad you tried.
14. Celery
Celery isn’t fast, but it is reliable. It prefers a cooler environment and does well in media beds where the roots can stay moist without being submerged.
It takes a few months to mature, but you can harvest outer stalks as it grows. It’s a great crop for patient growers or those looking for a challenge.
Want to save money? Start your celery from store-bought stalks. Just pop the base into your aquaponics system and watch it regenerate!
15. Lavender
Lavender might not be your first thought for aquaponics, but it’s absolutely possible—especially in well-drained media beds. It prefers dry roots, so careful placement is key.
Once it’s happy, lavender rewards you with fragrant blooms, beautiful gray-green foliage, and a calm, insect-repelling presence in your garden. It’s perfect for homemade sachets, teas, and even infused honey.
Make sure it gets plenty of sunlight and doesn’t sit in soggy conditions. It’s not for every system, but for the right setup, lavender is a fragrant superstar.
Final Thoughts
Aquaponics opens the door to so many growing possibilities, and these 15 plants are just the beginning. Whether you’re looking to grow your own food, experiment with sustainable gardening, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of watching plants thrive, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Pick one or two that excite you, and give them a try. With a bit of planning, your aquaponic system can become a lush, productive, and delicious garden oasis. Happy growing!