Discover 6 of the Most Valuable Crops to Grow

For those looking into starting or expanding a small-scale or urban farm, choosing the right crops is imperative. If you want to maximize your profits, there are a number of high-value crops to consider. Many of them benefit from a combination of high selling prices, quick harvests and high yield per foot or acre. Here is a rundown of some of the most valuable crops to grow.

1. Saffron

Why not invest in some “red gold?” Saffron, a spice originating from Iran, is arguably the most profitable crop out there. Just 1 pound of the stuff could earn you $5,000 to $10,000. While around 50,000 flowers are needed to produce a pound of dried herb, this amount only requires about a quarter acre of land to produce. The downside of farming saffron is that it is an incredibly labor-intensive crop. Not only does it take a ton of flowers to produce a viable amount of this spice, but the incredibly delicate threads must be carefully harvested from the flowers by hand. Furthermore, this must be done in the morning to avoid sun damage.

Saffron can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 10 and grows best in full sun with well-drained, sandy soil that has lots of humus. Early fall is the planting time with harvest just a few months later. Saffron thrives in temperatures of about 70 degrees and struggles with humid climates.

2. Lavender

Lavender fields can be found across the U.S. from Indiana and Tennessee to Michigan and California. This fragrant flower can bring in a pretty penny, as it’s used in bouquets, essential oils, soaps, lotions and other products. If you’re looking to maximize your profit-to-investment ratio, dried flower bouquets are the way to go, as they require less time and equipment. A 1-acre planting of this floral favorite could produce around 12,000 bouquets per year, which could reel in $10 or more a pop.

While lavender can be grown in a variety of climates, it is native to the area around the Mediterranean Sea, and most varieties thrive in warm, dry, temperate weather in zones 7 through 9. This herb also loves hot, dry, rocky or sandy soil, which is similar to the ground cover in its native lands. Well-drained soil is also a must as too much rain will drown it. Meanwhile, fertilizer is generally unneeded. This plant is also disease-resistant and relatively quick growing.

See more: 12 Beautiful Lavender Farms to Visit in the U.S.

3. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are another potentially profitable crop choice, and they are especially suited for urban farmers or anyone who doesn’t have a lot of space. They are most often grown inside and can produce high yields per square foot. These high-value cash crops can earn quite a bit of money as well. For instance, 5 pounds of oyster or shiitake mushrooms can sell for around $26 to $33. Oyster mushrooms are quick growers too, advancing from a start to harvest in just about six to eight weeks.

Because they’re grown indoors, you can grow varieties like snow oyster, shiitake, chestnut, king trumpet, black king, reishi and nameko just about anywhere. Gourmet edible and medicinal mushrooms can be grown in a variety of ways, including grow tents, monotubs and fruiting blocks. Most varieties prefer to grow on dead and decaying plant materials, so you’ll want to pick a substrate rich in organic matter like straw, wood chips, grains, manure or coffee grounds. The most appropriate material will vary based on the type of mushrooms you are growing. Whatever you choose, make sure to pasteurize or sterilize it before growing to kill any unwanted bacteria and contaminants.

See more: 12 Types of Mushrooms and How to Cook With Them

4. Goji Berries

Dried goji berries can earn you $20 or more per pound, with 1 acre of farmland capable of yielding up to 7,000 pounds of fresh berries. Goji berries probably fetch such a good price because of their wide-ranging health benefits, including antioxidant properties, their ability to protect against age-related eye diseases, immune system support, skin-boosting properties, liver protection and blood sugar stabilization.

This superfood is mostly grown in China, but they’re hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. They prefer a sunny location with well-draining soil, preferably with a slightly alkaline pH, and a trellis system for the vines to climb. Berries are ready for harvest in the late summer or fall. Keep in mind that it may take a few years to get your goji farm to full throttle. Though you may see a light harvest in the second year, it takes around four or five years to hit full production.

5. Microgreens

 Microgreens – seedlings that are harvested just after their first true leaves emerge – are another potential high-value cash crop, as they can pull in a lot of money per square foot. Farmers also benefit from a quick growth cycle, and you can grow them in basements, shipping containers and garages. Microgreens are an especially good choice for urban growers and small farms. Expect to pull in $20 to $50 per pound.

Microgreens are valued for the range of health benefits they provide, including nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, minerals like calcium and magnesium, and antioxidants. They have also been linked to better digestive health and immune function along with maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

See more: How to Grow Your Own Microgreens

6. Various Herbs

Besides saffron and lavender, it turns out that other herbs like chives, basil, catnip and cilantro can be quite lucrative, too. For instance, chives grow year round and can sell for about $8 to $12 per pound. Basil, which can be harvested in just three to four weeks, can fetch around $50 per pound.

Basil can be grown in USDA zones 4 to 11 and thrives in warm to hot weather. Meanwhile, chives grow in zones 3 to 9 and thrive in full sun. Herbs can also be grown inside a greenhouse year round, so long as you provide temperature control and fresh air as needed.