Top 8 Crops on the Rise in Vertical Farming

New Plants Growing in Vertical Farms

Vertical farming isn’t just about lettuce anymore. Thanks to smart automation, precise climate control, and ongoing plant research, many new crops are now entering the vertical farming space. This is making farms more diverse, resilient, and profitable. Especially in urban or climate challenged areas.

Let’s explore eight promising plants that are starting to make waves in the vertical farming industry:

1. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are quickly gaining ground in vertical farming. They’re ideal for indoor systems because they don’t need light, prefer cooler, humid environments, and can be stacked densely in small spaces. Companies like Infarm , one of the largest vertical farming players in Europe, have already announced plans to grow mushrooms at scale a major shift from leafy greens .

The European market for premium and organic mushrooms is still wide open. Vertical farms can now produce fresher and cleaner mushrooms compared to traditional farms.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries hanging in a modern vertical farming setup, showcasing efficient use of space and innovative agricultural techniques.

Strawberries are a sweet success story in vertical farming. In countries like Norway, where strawberry season is only a few weeks long, vertical farming offers a way to produce local berries year round , no imports needed. Systems like iFarm Berries use AI and automated climate control to grow strawberries indoors, reducing the need for pesticides while maintaining great taste and texture.

This is a game changer for cold-climate regions and for cities aiming to localize food production.

3. Beans

Beans, including green beans and French beans, are excellent vertical crops because they naturally grow upward thus saving space and making them easy to manage. Their vines can be trained along vertical supports or trellis systems, and they perform well in hydroponics.

Beans also grow quickly and require minimal maintenance, making them a smart option for farms looking to diversify beyond leafy greens .

4. Peas

Peas are another vertical farming gem. They thrive in hydroponic systems, and with an average growth cycle of around 8 weeks, a farm can achieve up to six harvests per year. That’s great for both supply and profit. Peas are rich in plant based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, so they fit well with health-conscious consumer trends.

Plus, they’re lightweight and compact perfect for indoor setups

5. Water Lentils (Duckweed)

Tiny but mighty, water lentils are floating aquatic plants loaded with protein. They grow extremely fast and require very little input thus making them highly sustainable. Canadian company Pontus has turned water lentil cultivation into a commercial success using aquaponics, where fish waste helps feed the plants, and the plants help filter the water .

This closed loop system is eco-friendly, low-cost, and ideal for dense urban farming.

6. Bell Peppers

Lush green bell peppers thriving in a cutting-edge vertical farming setup.

Bell peppers are being tested in vertical farms, although they’re still a bit tricky to grow to full size indoors. So far, some farms are pre growing pepper seedlings in controlled environments and then transferring them outdoors. However, researchers are actively working on optimizing conditions to grow full sized bell peppers inside which would allow year round production of perfect, pesticide free peppers.

With high market demand and colorful visual appeal, bell peppers could become a vertical farming star in the near future.

7. Black Pepper

Black pepper grows on climbing vines, so it’s naturally suited for vertical growth towers. While these systems can be a bit more expensive than standard vertical racks, they offer excellent control over light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients. That makes black pepper more efficient to grow indoors than in open fields and with fewer losses .As demand for high quality spices rises, vertical pepper farming could fill niche markets with premium products.

8. Flowers

Not all vertical farming is about food , flowers are also blooming indoors! Philips has developed a series of “plant recipes” specifically for flowers. Their team found that nearly all flower varieties tested so far adapt well to controlled indoor environments .

This opens the door to vertical farms that grow ornamental flowers all year long perfect for local florists, event companies, and export markets.

What This Means for the Future

As vertical farms grow a wider variety of crops, we’ll see fresher food, reduced imports, less pesticide use, and lower water consumption. It also means urban areas can become more self sufficient, even if they don’t have much arable land or ideal weather.

This crop expansion is not only exciting it’s necessary for building a more sustainable and secure food future.