If you’re a rabbit owner, you already know how much your little companion loves munching on fresh greens. But constantly buying store-bought vegetables can get expensive and inconvenient. That’s where fast growing plants that rabbits can eat come in — they’re easy to grow, cost-effective, and incredibly nutritious.
Whether you have a backyard, balcony, or just a sunny windowsill, you can cultivate a variety of rabbit-safe plants that grow quickly and provide a continuous supply of fresh food. This guide dives into everything you need to know — from understanding your rabbit’s diet to choosing the best fast-growing herbs, greens, and grasses.
In This Article
Why Fast Growing Plants Are Perfect for Rabbits
Rabbits are natural grazers. In the wild, they spend hours foraging for grass, leaves, and tender plants. This natural instinct is why providing a steady supply of edible, fast-growing greens helps mimic their natural environment and keeps them mentally and physically active.
Benefits of growing your own plants for rabbits:
- Freshness guaranteed: You know exactly what goes into the soil and can avoid harmful pesticides.
- Cost-effective: A few seeds can yield weeks or even months of food.
- Sustainability: Regrow and rotate crops to maintain a continuous food cycle.
- Healthier rabbits: Home-grown plants are packed with vitamins, fiber, and hydration.
Did you know?
A rabbit’s diet should consist of about 80–90% hay, with the remaining portion made up of fresh greens and a small amount of pellets. Fast growing edible plants are the best way to fill that “fresh greens” category with safe and nutritious options.
Understanding a Rabbit’s Diet and Natural Eating Habits
Before you start planting, it’s crucial to know what rabbits can and can’t eat. Rabbits are herbivores, which means their digestive system is built to process a high-fiber, low-fat diet.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Diet Component | Percentage of Diet | Examples |
| Hay & Grass | 80–90% | Timothy hay, meadow hay |
| Fresh Greens | 10–15% | Lettuce, kale, parsley |
| Pellets | 5% or less | High-fiber rabbit pellets |
| Treats (Fruits/Roots) | Occasional | Apple slices, carrot pieces |
Key Nutritional Needs for Rabbits
- Fiber: Keeps digestion smooth and prevents hairballs.
- Calcium: Supports strong teeth and bones (but not too much).
- Vitamins A & K: Vital for immune health and proper vision.
- Water: Always essential — fresh greens help with hydration.
Rabbits love to nibble throughout the day, and fast growing plants make it easier to provide a continuous grazing opportunity. They’re also gentler on your wallet and the environment compared to constantly buying greens from the market.
“Feeding rabbits natural, home-grown plants encourages natural foraging behaviors and promotes mental enrichment.”
— Dr. Lisa Freeman, Veterinary Nutritionist (Tufts University)
Benefits of Growing Your Own Rabbit-Friendly Plants
Planting fast growing plants that rabbits can eat isn’t just about saving money — it’s about giving your furry friend the healthiest diet possible. Let’s look deeper into why this small step can make a big difference.
1. Fresh and Chemical-Free Nutrition
When you grow plants at home, you control everything — from the soil to watering and fertilizers. This means your rabbits eat clean, organic greens free of pesticides and harmful chemicals that can upset their sensitive digestive system.
2. Always Available, Always Fresh
Some of the fastest-growing plants like dandelion, basil, and lettuce can sprout within days. You can set up a rotation system so new plants are always ready when others are harvested. That’s a sustainable, never-ending supply of food for your bunny.
3. Enriches Your Rabbit’s Environment
Growing rabbit-friendly plants encourages your pet to forage naturally. Try planting different textures and flavors — soft lettuce leaves, aromatic herbs, and fibrous grasses — to keep them curious and happy.
4. Saves Money in the Long Run
Instead of buying fresh greens weekly, a few packets of seeds and a small garden space can feed your rabbits for months. It’s an affordable, eco-conscious way to care for your pets.
5. Helps You Go Green
Growing your own rabbit food reduces packaging waste and carbon footprint. You’ll be surprised how much more rewarding it feels to feed your bunny food you grew yourself.
Best Fast Growing Herbs That Rabbits Can Eat
Herbs are some of the easiest and quickest plants to grow — many sprout within a week and can be harvested continuously. The best part? Most herbs thrive both indoors and outdoors, making them ideal even for small spaces.
Below are some of the most rabbit-safe and fast-growing herbs that are both nutritious and delicious for your furry friends.
| Herb | Growth Time | Feeding Tips | Nutritional Benefits |
| Parsley | 25–30 days | Offer a few sprigs daily | Rich in vitamin C and calcium |
| Basil | 20–25 days | Feed small handfuls | Antioxidant and immune support |
| Mint | 15–20 days | Use as a treat, not staple | Aids digestion, prevents gas |
| Cilantro (Coriander) | 20–25 days | Fresh leaves a few times per week | Detoxifying and refreshing |
| Dill | 25–30 days | Mix with other greens | Helps with appetite and digestion |
| Oregano | 30–40 days | Feed sparingly | Natural antibacterial properties |
Tip: Plant a few herbs side by side in one container. When you trim them regularly for feeding, new leaves will regrow faster — giving you a continuous harvest without replanting.
Why Herbs Are Great for Rabbits
- Aromatic stimulation: Rabbits love exploring new scents.
- Natural health boosters: Many herbs contain beneficial oils and vitamins.
- Simple care: Most herbs need minimal watering and partial sunlight.
If you’re short on space, start with mint and basil in small pots near a sunny window. These two herbs grow incredibly fast and can handle frequent harvesting.
Fast Growing Leafy Greens That Rabbits Can Eat Daily
Leafy greens form a major part of a healthy rabbit diet, providing hydration, fiber, and essential nutrients. The key is to choose varieties that grow quickly and can be picked regularly without killing the plant.
Top Leafy Greens for Rabbits
| Leafy Green | Growth Speed | Feeding Frequency | Notes |
| Romaine Lettuce | 25–30 days | Daily | Crisp and hydrating, low in calories |
| Red Leaf Lettuce | 25–30 days | Daily | Adds variety and mild flavor |
| Kale | 30–40 days | 2–3 times/week | Nutrient-dense but high in calcium |
| Arugula (Rocket) | 20–25 days | Daily | Peppery flavor rabbits love |
| Mustard Greens | 25–30 days | Occasionally | Feed in small amounts (spicy) |
| Swiss Chard | 30–35 days | 2–3 times/week | Rich in vitamins A, K, and C |
| Spinach | 30 days | Occasionally | High in oxalates — feed sparingly |
Growing Tips
- Harvest leaves once they reach about 4–6 inches.
- Snip outer leaves and let the center continue to grow — this encourages constant regrowth.
- Mix different greens for a diverse salad your rabbit will never get bored of.
Case Study:
A rabbit owner in Australia documented her backyard garden producing enough leafy greens to feed two rabbits daily for six months using a 1.5 m² raised bed. She planted romaine lettuce, arugula, and kale in rotation — harvesting every 10–14 days while new plants matured.
“Rotating crops of fast growing greens is the best way to keep rabbits fed and gardens productive all year round.”
Quick-Growing Grasses and Ground Covers for Rabbits
Grasses are a rabbit’s natural favorite — they love to graze all day long. Luckily, you can easily grow fast growing grass varieties that are safe, soft, and full of fiber.
Best Grasses for Rabbits
| Grass Type | Sprouting Time | Feeding Use | Notes |
| Ryegrass | 5–7 days | Fresh grazing or cut | Fast regrowth, soft texture |
| Wheatgrass | 5–10 days | Freshly cut | High in chlorophyll and fiber |
| Oat Grass | 7–10 days | Cut-and-feed | Hydrating, rabbits love its sweet flavor |
| Barley Grass | 7–9 days | Fresh grazing | Easy to grow indoors in trays |
You can start a mini indoor grass patch using just a shallow tray, potting soil, and seeds. Within a week, you’ll have lush, green shoots ready to trim and feed. If you have an outdoor space, dedicate a small area to grass growth — it provides a natural grazing experience that rabbits find calming.
Pro Tip: Rotate trays every week — while one grows, another is ready to harvest. This ensures a constant supply of fresh greens without overcutting.
Ground Covers That Rabbits Can Safely Eat
Besides grasses, rabbits also enjoy soft, low-growing plants such as:
- White clover: Nutritious and rich in protein.
- Dandelion leaves: Fast-growing wild edible (more in Section 7).
- Plantain (Plantago major): Great for digestion and very resilient.
Did you know?
Freshly grown grass contains up to 85% water — helping keep rabbits hydrated, especially in warm climates.
Fast Growing Weeds and Wild Plants That Rabbits Can Eat Safely
Some of the best fast growing plants that rabbits can eat are already in your backyard — they’re called weeds! Many wild plants are packed with nutrition, grow with almost no effort, and regenerate quickly after trimming. The trick is knowing which ones are safe.
Safe Wild Edibles for Rabbits
| Wild Plant | Growth Time | Edible Parts | Key Benefits |
| Dandelion | 5–7 days (sprout) | Leaves, flowers | High in calcium, iron, and vitamin A |
| Clover (white or red) | 7–10 days | Leaves, flowers | Rich in protein and easily digestible |
| Chickweed | 10–14 days | Leaves, stems | Cooling effect, supports digestion |
| Plantain (broadleaf) | 7–10 days | Leaves | Soothes stomach and promotes gut health |
| Shepherd’s Purse | 10–12 days | Leaves | Mineral-rich and grows in poor soil |
These plants can grow even in less fertile soil and will often regrow after grazing — making them excellent choices for sustainable rabbit feeding.
Note: Always make sure wild plants come from pesticide-free areas. Avoid roadside weeds or those exposed to animal waste.
How to Encourage Safe Wild Growth
- Leave a small patch of your garden uncut to allow wild greens to thrive.
- Water occasionally — most wild weeds grow quickly without fertilizer.
- Combine wild greens with herbs and grasses for a balanced rabbit salad.
Expert tip: According to the House Rabbit Society, a diverse mix of wild edibles promotes natural foraging behavior and can reduce boredom-related chewing in rabbits.
Root Vegetables and Edible Tops Rabbits Can Eat (Fast to Sprout)
While rabbits shouldn’t eat starchy roots like carrots and beets too often, their leafy tops are incredibly healthy and fast-growing. These greens are nutrient-rich and can be regrown easily from kitchen scraps.
Fast-Growing Edible Tops for Rabbits
| Vegetable Top | Growth Time | Feeding Frequency | Benefits |
| Carrot Tops | 7–10 days (regrow in water) | 2–3 times/week | High in fiber, calcium, and vitamin K |
| Beet Greens | 25–30 days | 2–3 times/week | Iron and antioxidants |
| Radish Leaves | 20–25 days | Occasionally | Spicy leaves, best mixed with mild greens |
| Turnip Greens | 25–30 days | Weekly | Vitamin A and calcium boost |
Regrowing from Scraps — A Simple Guide
- Cut the tops off your vegetables (about 1 inch from the greens).
- Place them in a shallow bowl of water with sunlight exposure.
- Within a week, new greens will sprout.
- Transfer to soil for continued growth and repeat harvesting.
Case Example:
One urban rabbit owner reported growing carrot tops on her kitchen windowsill all year long, using just tap water and sunlight. Her rabbits enjoyed fresh greens every few days without a single grocery trip!
Tip: Mix carrot tops with milder greens like romaine or parsley to balance flavor and calcium levels.
Container Gardening Ideas for Fast Growing Rabbit Plants
Not everyone has a yard — but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow fast growing plants that rabbits can eat right at home. Container gardening is perfect for balconies, patios, or sunny indoor spaces.
Best Containers for Growing Rabbit-Safe Plants
- Shallow trays (5–6 cm deep): Great for grasses and herbs like wheatgrass or mint.
- Medium pots (20–30 cm): Ideal for leafy greens such as kale or lettuce.
- Hanging baskets: Perfect for herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano.
Soil and Light Requirements
| Plant Type | Soil Type | Light Requirement |
| Herbs | Well-draining, slightly moist | 4–6 hours sunlight |
| Leafy Greens | Fertile, compost-rich soil | 5–8 hours sunlight |
| Grasses | Loamy or potting mix | 3–5 hours indirect light |
Smart Gardening Tips for Continuous Harvest
- Rotate crops: Start new seeds every 1–2 weeks for a steady supply.
- Trim often: Cutting leaves encourages faster regrowth.
- Use organic fertilizer: Rabbit-safe compost or worm castings work best.
- Combine plants: Grow basil, lettuce, and clover together to save space and boost soil nutrients.
Quote:
“Even a tiny balcony garden can produce enough greens to feed two rabbits year-round if managed properly.”
— Green Living Magazine, 2024
If you live in a tropical or warm region, choose heat-tolerant plants like chard, basil, and dandelion. For cooler areas, arugula and kale are hardy options that thrive even in mild frost.
For more detailed rabbit gardening advice, check the Royal Horticultural Society’s plant care guide at rhs.org.uk.
Regrowing Rabbit-Safe Plants From Kitchen Scraps
One of the simplest ways to keep your rabbit’s diet fresh and sustainable is by regrowing fast growing plants from kitchen scraps. It’s easy, eco-friendly, and saves money — plus, it’s a fun project for the whole family.
Easy Rabbit-Safe Plants to Regrow
Many vegetables will sprout again from leftover stems or roots. Below are the best options for rabbits:
| Plant | How to Regrow | Harvest Time | Feeding Notes |
| Romaine Lettuce | Place the base in a shallow bowl of water with sunlight | 5–7 days | Mild and hydrating; feed daily |
| Celery | Cut 2 inches from the base, regrow in water | 7–10 days | Feed in moderation; good fiber |
| Carrot Tops | Keep 1 inch of root end submerged in water | 5–8 days | Use leaves, not roots |
| Basil & Mint | Place cut stems in water until roots form | 7–14 days | Trim regularly to encourage new leaves |
| Green Onion (as treat) | Regrow in water or soil | 10 days | Feed only occasionally — strong flavor |
Tip: Once new roots appear, move your scraps into soil for faster and healthier growth. Keep the soil slightly moist, and you’ll have fresh greens every week!
Why Regrowing Is Perfect for Rabbit Owners
- Zero waste: You’re using what would normally be thrown away.
- Constant supply: New shoots appear within days.
- Small-space friendly: Great for window gardens or kitchen counters.
“Growing from scraps is one of the most sustainable ways to care for your pets — it’s nature’s recycling system.”
— Eco Gardening Journal, 2024
Plants to Avoid: What Rabbits Should Never Eat
While it’s exciting to plant different greens, not every fast-growing plant is safe for rabbits. Some are toxic, while others can upset their delicate digestive system. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to grow.
Toxic or Unsafe Plants for Rabbits
| Plant Name | Why It’s Unsafe | Symptoms if Ingested |
| Tomato Leaves & Stems | Contain solanine (toxic alkaloid) | Lethargy, diarrhea |
| Potato Plants | High in starch and toxins | Digestive upset, bloating |
| Rhubarb Leaves | Contain oxalic acid | Weakness, trembling |
| Onion & Garlic | Can damage red blood cells | Lethargy, anemia |
| Ivy, Nightshade, and Azalea | Highly poisonous | Severe toxicity, fatal in large amounts |
| Buttercups | Contain protoanemonin toxin | Mouth irritation, salivation |
If you’re unsure about a plant, never feed it until you confirm it’s rabbit-safe. Always cross-check with a reliable resource such as the House Rabbit Society’s safe plant list.
How to Prevent Accidental Ingestion
- Keep your rabbit garden separate from decorative plants.
- Label pots clearly with safe and unsafe varieties.
- Educate family members on which plants can be fed and which can’t.
Remember: Just because a plant is “herbal” or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe for rabbits.
Maintaining a Continuous Supply of Fast Growing Rabbit Edibles
Once your plants are thriving, you’ll want to keep them growing steadily year-round. The secret lies in rotation, regrowth, and soil health.
Tips for Continuous Harvesting
- Stagger Planting:
Sow new seeds every 10–14 days so fresh batches are always maturing. - Harvest Smart:
Trim outer leaves and let the inner ones continue to grow — this keeps plants productive longer. - Use Compost Regularly:
Feed your soil with natural compost or rabbit manure (yes, it’s safe and rich in nitrogen!). - Combine Fast and Slow Growers:
Pair quick crops like arugula or chickweed with slower-growing ones like kale. This keeps the garden balanced. - Protect Against Pests:
Use natural repellents like neem oil spray or companion planting (for example, grow mint near lettuce to deter aphids).
Seasonal Planting Example
| Season | Recommended Plants | Growth Duration |
| Spring | Dandelion, kale, parsley | 20–30 days |
| Summer | Basil, lettuce, mint | 15–25 days |
| Autumn | Arugula, spinach, beet tops | 25–30 days |
| Winter (indoors) | Wheatgrass, clover, herbs | 10–15 days |
Eco-Friendly Gardening Practices
- Recycle water: Collect rainwater for watering.
- Avoid chemicals: Stick to organic pest control and natural fertilizers.
- Encourage pollinators: Allow a few herbs to flower for bees and butterflies — it keeps your garden ecosystem healthy.
“Healthy soil equals healthy greens — and healthy greens make happy rabbits.”
— Natural Pet Living, 2025
For an extra resource, you can explore The Spruce Pets’ guide on rabbit-safe vegetables to expand your planting list safely.
Troubleshooting Common Gardening Problems
Even the fastest-growing plants can face issues — from pests to overwatering. The good news? Most problems can be solved naturally and safely without using harsh chemicals that could harm your rabbits.
Common Problems and Simple Fixes
| Problem | Possible Cause | Safe, Natural Solution |
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Let soil dry out, add compost for aeration |
| Slow growth | Lack of sunlight or nutrients | Move to sunnier spot, use rabbit-safe compost |
| Pests (aphids, caterpillars) | Poor air circulation or nearby weeds | Use neem oil spray, introduce ladybugs |
| Fungal spots | Too much moisture | Water in the morning and avoid wetting leaves |
| Wilting | Underwatering or root stress | Deep water once a day during heat |
Natural Pest Control Tips
- Companion planting: Grow mint, basil, or dill to naturally repel harmful insects.
- Homemade neem spray: Mix 1 teaspoon neem oil with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle filled with water. Mist lightly (never on feeding days).
- Mulching: Helps retain moisture and keep weeds under control.
Quote: “The healthiest rabbit gardens are those that rely on balance — not chemicals.”
— Garden & Pet Health Journal, 2025
Eco-Friendly Gardening for Rabbits’ Well-Being
Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet — it’s also great for your rabbits. Creating an eco-friendly rabbit garden ensures your pets get clean, chemical-free nutrition while reducing your environmental footprint.
How to Make Your Rabbit Garden Eco-Friendly
- Use Organic Soil and Seeds
Choose organic-certified seeds whenever possible. Avoid genetically modified or pesticide-treated varieties. - Compost Everything
Turn vegetable scraps and rabbit manure into compost. Rabbit droppings are “cold manure,” meaning they can be used directly without burning plants. - Conserve Water
Collect rainwater or reuse rinse water from vegetables to water your plants. - Encourage Pollinators
Let some herbs like basil, dill, and mint bloom — bees and butterflies will help keep your garden healthy and thriving. - Grow in Cycles
Keep soil alive by alternating plants that use and restore different nutrients. For instance, rotate between leafy greens (which use nitrogen) and herbs (which replenish it).
Did you know?
A single rabbit can produce enough manure each month to fertilize a small garden naturally — no synthetic fertilizer needed!
Creating a Mini Eco Rabbit Garden (Example Layout)
| Section | Plants | Purpose |
| Corner 1 | Dandelion & Clover | Ground cover and grazing |
| Corner 2 | Basil & Parsley | Aromatic herbs for variety |
| Corner 3 | Wheatgrass trays | Quick fiber-rich greens |
| Corner 4 | Kale & Lettuce | Core leafy greens for daily meals |
This layout works even in small yards or balconies. You can also use raised beds or recycled containers to make your garden portable and manageable.
Conclusion: The Joy of Growing Fast Rabbit Food at Home
Growing fast growing plants that rabbits can eat is more than just a hobby — it’s a rewarding lifestyle choice. It connects you with nature, keeps your pets healthy, and adds sustainability to your everyday routine.
From quick-sprouting grasses and herbs to leafy greens and wild edibles, the variety of options ensures your rabbit always has something fresh to enjoy. With just a little care and planning, your garden can become a self-sustaining source of natural, organic food.
Key Takeaways:
- Rabbits thrive on fresh, chemical-free greens.
- Fast-growing plants like basil, dandelion, romaine, and wheatgrass ensure a continuous supply.
- Avoid toxic plants such as tomato leaves and rhubarb.
- Regrow from kitchen scraps to save money and reduce waste.
- Keep your garden sustainable — it benefits both your pets and the planet.
“Healthy plants grow happy rabbits, and happy rabbits make every home brighter.”
By creating a small, thriving patch of greens — even on your windowsill — you’re not just feeding your pet; you’re cultivating a circle of health and care.
For more expert advice on rabbit-safe greens, check out the Royal Horticultural Society’s edible plant guide for safe gardening practices.
