---
title: "6. What to grow in hydroponics: the best species"
description: The best species to grow in hydroponics. Discover over 100 varieties already optimized by Tomato+ and why our technology enables superior results.
---

[Hydroponics and Vertical Farming: The Technical Guide to Understand, Grow, and Innovate ](https://tomatoplus.com/en/blog)

# [6. What to grow in hydroponics: the best species](https://tomatoplus.com/en/blog/what-to-grow-in-hydroponics-the-best-species)

 Written by [Tomato+ Team](https://tomatoplus.com/en/blog/author/tomato-team) | Nov 18, 2025 6:21:01 PM

 

Hydroponics opens up the possibility of growing a wide range of vegetables, herbs and aromatic varieties without the use of soil, in any season. It is one of the most efficient and predictable systems for achieving consistent, higher-quality, pesticide-free production.

However, not all plants react the same way: some species are particularly suited to hydroponic systems, others require more control, and others are not ideal for technical or economic reasons. In this article we look at the best crops to grow in hydroponics-and more importantly, what makes Tomato+ different from any other home or professional system on the market.

## **The most suitable species for hydroponics**

### **1. Lettuces & Baby Leaf**

They are the queens of hydroponics: they grow quickly, require little space and guarantee continuous harvests. Among the most common:

- Romaine lettuce
- Green and red lettuce
- Batavia
- Misticanze

Why they work well:

- Short cycle
- High leaf weight
- No need for structural supports

### **2. Basil and herbs**

In hydroponics they achieve more intense aromas and steady growth. Results are significantly better than traditional or potted cultivation.

Top performing species:

- Italian basil (classic, Genovese, Neapolitan)
- Thai basil
- Parsle y
- Coriander
- Chives

### **3. Microgreens**

They are perfect: they grow in very few days and offer the highest nutritional value. Some of the most popular ones:

- Radish
- Red cabbage
- Mustard
- Broccoli
- Sunflower

Hydroponics eliminates the mold risk typical of traditional trays.

### **4. "Premium" leaf plants.**

These are species that generally require precise conditions, but yield extraordinary results in hydroponics:

- Mizuna
- Pak Choi
- Tatsoi
- Baby spinach

### **5. Strawberries and small fruits.**

Growable in hydroponics, but require long cycles and finer control over light and nutrients. Possible, but not ideal for all home systems.

### **6. Tomatoes, peppers, chilies.**

An important clarification is needed here:  
**these species are technically growable in hydroponics**, but they have:

- long cycles
- high energy demand
- complex vertical growth
- need for pruning and supports

They are perfect crops for professional greenhouses or advanced systems, less so for small home systems.

## **❗Important clarification: Tomato+ does not grow tomatoes.**

### **➡ Tomato+ has implemented growing profiles for more than 100 different varieties, including vegetables, herbs, mixes, and taste experiences.**

This is made possible by three unique elements of our ecosystem:

1. **Proprietary compostable pods**
   
     - 100% biodegradable
     - designed to ensure perfect germination
     - optimized for each crop
2. **Automated and replicable production lines**  
   Each variety follows a precise, standardized and controllable protocol in each market.
3. **Customized and dynamic growth plans via AI**  
   The greenhouse adapts light, water, fans and nutrients according to species, cycle and environment.  
   This makes it possible to grow different species, even very different species.

**Tomato+ is not a "specialized" system-it is a flexible and scalable agricultural platform.**

## **The categories of crops already available in Tomato+ (100+ varieties)**

### **✔ Herbs**

20+ varieties  
(basil, thyme, sage, coriander, mint, etc.)

### **✔ Salads and baby leaves**

30+ varieties  
(romanina, red lettuce, batavia, lollo...)

### **✔ Brassicas and fine leaves**

15+ varieties  
(mizuna, baby kale, pak choi...)

### **✔ Tasting mix**

10+ varieties  
(Salad Mix, Asian Mix, Aromatic Mix, Wellness Mix...)

### **✔ Microgreens**

20+ varieties  
(radish, red cabbage, broccoli, mustard...)

### **✔ Special edible plants**

(e.g. nasturtium, shiso, oriental herbs...)

Our goal is not just "what" we grow, but **how** we grow it: superior organoleptic quality, zero pesticides, intense taste, and total traceability.

## **What is not worth growing in hydroponics**

There are also less suitable species:

- root vegetables (carrots, potatoes)
- fruit trees
- cucurbits (zucchini, cucumbers) for space reasons

Possible in specific professional systems, but not optimal for compact greenhouses.

## **Conclusion**

Hydroponics makes it possible to grow hundreds of species with superior results, especially when the system is controlled and optimized through AI.

And while many on the web still believe that Tomato+ is a greenhouse for "just tomatoes," the reality is just the opposite:  
we are one of the most advanced systems for growing an extensive, tested and scientifically optimized catalog of varieties.

Thank you for reading this article. Keep following us to discover new content on hydroponics, vertical farming, and smart agriculture.  
Tomato+ Team

[View full post](https://tomatoplus.com/en/blog/what-to-grow-in-hydroponics-the-best-species)

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