A diverse mix of autumn vegetables growing in a seasonal garden bed
A vibrant vegetable garden transitioning into the autumn season.
Lush green and purple vegetable foliage thriving in an outdoor planter.
Late summer marks a dramatic shift in the garden as bright blooms yield to the richer, warmer tones of autumn. Introducing specific vegetables now is a highly effective way to maintain that seasonal colour.
Planting late-season edibles yields a functional bumper harvest while providing striking foliage that rivals traditional ornamental borders. From deep purple leaves to jewel-toned reds, edible gardens offer robust aesthetic value well into the colder months.
Lucie Bradley, a gardening and greenhouse expert from Easy Garden Irrigation, shared her top recommendations for easy-to-grow vegetables that thrive in an autumn garden.
1. Swiss Chard
Vibrant Swiss chard stems in contrasting shades of yellow, red, and violet.
For a nutrient-dense and visually striking crop, Bradley points to Swiss chard. It is highly resilient and adds immediate vertical interest to any bed.
“With popular varieties such as ‘Bright Lights,’ their stunningly beautiful stems come in a dazzling array of shades from yellow, red and violet,” Bradley says. When planted alongside green or bronze foliage, Swiss chard serves as a prominent focal point.
2. Kale
Greyish-green kale leaves displaying prominent pink and burgundy veins.
Kale remains a staple for late-season growers due to its extreme hardiness. This leafy brassica is exceptionally low-maintenance and easily withstands autumn frosts.
“Choose varieties such as ‘Red Russian’ not only for its soft texture and sweeter taste but also for its striking greyish-green leaves with contrasting vibrant pink or burgundy veins,” Bradley advises.
3. Purple Kohlrabi
Deep lilac-purple kohlrabi bulbs ready for an autumn harvest.
Gardeners looking for a fast turnaround should consider purple kohlrabi. When sown in July or August, this hardy vegetable is ready to harvest in just eight weeks.
To maximize visual impact, Bradley suggests the “Azure Star” variety. It reliably produces deep lilac-purple bulbs that stand out starkly against autumn soil.
4. Radicchio and Red Chicory
Deep-red radicchio leaves patterned with distinct white veins.
For a low-maintenance crop slated for an October harvest, red chicory and radicchio are optimal choices. They bring a dense, cabbage-like structure and deep crimson hues to the garden.
“For additional autumn colour, I’d recommend growing the heirloom variety ‘Palla Rossa’ with its vibrant, deep-red leaves and contrasting white veins,” says Bradley. She also highlights the Italian “Variegata di Castelfranco” for growers who prefer a paler, speckled appearance.
5. Carrots
A freshly harvested bundle of white, yellow, orange, red, and purple carrots.
Carrots sown in July mature perfectly in time for the autumn chill. Bradley recommends the “Rainbow Mix” variety to guarantee a harvest of white, yellow, orange, red, and purple roots.
Late-season carrots offer a distinct culinary advantage. As temperatures fall, the roots naturally convert their starches into sugars, which significantly enhances their overall flavour profile upon harvest.
