12 Exotic Vegetables You Can Grow in India

Take a break from the simple things and learn which Exotic Vegetables You Can Grow in India! Don’t miss out!

Many foreign vegetables are common now in India, but there’s a problem–they’re expensive. So why spend big bucks? Here are the Exotic Vegetables You Can Grow in India!

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Grow These Exotic Vegetables in India

1. Broccoli

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica

Broccoli needs cool temperatures to grow. You can easily grow it if you live in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and the Nilgiris.

2. Swiss Chard

Botanical Name:Beta vulgaris L.

Swiss Chard is full of nutrients and can thrive in many places across the country. Just give it full sun, partial shade, and regular watering and it will reward you with leafy greens.

3. Cherry Tomato

Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme

Cherry Tomatoes are just small but grow like regular ones. You can use greenhouses, netted houses, or even pots on balconies. They prefer a warm climate and low humidity.

4. Asparagus

Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis

Asparagus is another exotic veggie that you can grow in the country. But it might take a few years to mature. It’s already widely grown in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

5. Button Mushroom

Botanical Name: Agaricus bisporus

This one might be a little tricky, but why skip on an exotic vegetable, right? Button mushrooms are grown in controlled indoor environments. These can be air-conditioned rooms, caves, or even tunnels.

6. Bell Peppers

Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum 

You must have seen red or yellow Bell Peppers when you were out to buy vegetables. The vendors charge a whole lot more for these than regular capsicums, so you should grab one from your local nursery and start growing your own.

7. Red Cabbage

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra

Red Cabbage is a cool-season exotic vegetable with a rich red-purple color. It thrives in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. You can also grow it in Maharashtra, but only during the cooler months.

8. Zucchini

Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo

Zucchini is a warm-season crop and needs full sun. Plus, it is a fast grower and will give you loads of Zucchini to eat. Just give it regular watering and a bit of good quality fertilizer.

9. Lettuce

Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa

Lettuce is always in high demand and is rich in nutrients. Did you know that it is widely grown in Nilgiris? India is also the 3rd largest commercial producer of lettuce worldwide.

10. Bok Choy

Botanical Name: Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis

Bok Choy or Pak Choy, is full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and makes a lovely addition to the everyday diet. You can grow it anywhere in the country. But plant it during the cooler months. 

11. Kale

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Speaking of cooler months, also grow Kale. Just grab a small pot and sow the seeds in October – November. It will be ready to harvest and eat by January-February.

12. Brussels Sprouts

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera

You can also grow your own Brussels Sprouts. They need a temperature of 15-20°C and well-drained soil to thrive. You can find them in hilly areas, especially Himachal and Tamil Nadu.