Why Plant Choice Matters in Aquaponics
Not every plant thrives in an aquaponics system. The nutrient profile from fish waste is different from synthetic fertilizers — it's generally lower in phosphorus and higher in nitrogen. This makes some plants very happy and others struggle.
After two years of experimenting in our spare room tower garden and backyard flood-and-drain system, these are the plants that have consistently performed best for us.
The Top 10
1. Lettuce (All Varieties)
Lettuce is the undisputed king of home aquaponics. It grows fast (harvest in 3–4 weeks), thrives in the nitrogen-rich water, and you can use the cut-and-come-again method to harvest for months from a single plant.
Best varieties: Butterhead, Romaine, Red Leaf, Oakleaf
2. Kale
Kale is incredibly productive in aquaponics. One plant can produce leaves for 6+ months. It handles temperature fluctuations well and is packed with nutrients.
Tip: Harvest outer leaves only and the plant will keep producing.
3. Swiss Chard
Colourful, productive, and easy to grow. Swiss chard does especially well in media bed systems. The stems are edible too, so you get more food per plant.
4. Basil
Basil loves the warm, humid environment of an indoor aquaponics system. It grows quickly and the more you harvest, the more it produces. Keep it pinched back to prevent flowering.
Note: Basil prefers slightly warmer water (22–26°C) — keep this in mind if you're growing it alongside cold-water fish.
5. Spinach
Fast-growing and nutritious. Spinach does best in cooler systems (15–20°C) and can bolt in warm conditions. Great for BC winters when your system runs cooler.
6. Mint
Mint is almost impossible to kill in aquaponics. It spreads aggressively, so grow it in a separate container or net cup to prevent it from taking over. Harvest regularly to keep it productive.
7. Pak Choi (Bok Choy)
One of our personal favourites. Pak choi grows quickly, handles a wide range of water temperatures, and is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Ready to harvest in 4–6 weeks.
8. Cilantro
Cilantro grows fast in aquaponics but bolts quickly in warm conditions. Succession plant every 2–3 weeks to ensure a continuous supply. Great for the tower garden.
9. Watercress
Watercress is actually semi-aquatic, so it absolutely thrives in aquaponics. It grows fast, tastes great, and is one of the most nutrient-dense plants you can grow.
10. Strawberries
Strawberries take longer to establish (2–3 months before fruiting) but are very rewarding. They do well in tower gardens and NFT systems. Use everbearing varieties for continuous production.
Plants to Avoid (At First)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many plants can I grow in a home system?
A standard tower garden holds 20–28 plants. A 4×8 ft media bed can support 20–40 plants depending on size.
Can I grow the same plants year-round?
Yes! That's one of the main advantages of indoor aquaponics. With grow lights, you control the season.
Do I need to rotate crops?
Not as urgently as in soil gardening, but it's good practice to give your system a break between heavy feeders like basil and kale.