Need some ideas for cold hardy vegetable crops that will still produce even in very cold conditions? Checkout the list below for some winter gardening inspiration.
Whether you reside in a hot or cold climate, these vegetable planting tips are applicable during the winter. If temperatures in your garden are expected to plunge below freezing, I suggest covering newly germinated or tender seedlings.
Check out the video version of this guide:
1. Mache (Corn Salad) - Coldest Temperature: Down to 5°F (-15°C)
First up is mache, also known as corn salad. This cold-loving leafy green has tender, spoon-shaped leaves with a mild, nutty flavor. It’s incredibly frost tolerant and does well when direct sown during winter. You can even harvest it under a bit of snow. Sow seeds in well-draining soil about a quarter-inch deep and keep the soil moist. Once it’s ready, you'll adore it in fresh winter salads.
2. Mizuna - Coldest Temperature: Down to 15°F (-9°C)
Next is mizuna, a beautiful Japanese mustard green with feathery, serrated leaves. It has a mild peppery flavor and grows quickly in cool weather. Mizuna does well in raised beds, containers, or even under row covers. Sow seeds directly or start them indoors, and make sure to give seedlings some space. It’s perfect for stir fries and salads.
3. Siberian Kale - Coldest Temperature: Down to 0°F (-18°C)
Now, let's talk about kale—but not just any kale. Siberian kale is one of the most cold-hardy types you can grow. This variety thrives in frigid temperatures, surviving down to zero degrees Fahrenheit and even bouncing back after being covered in snow. Its tender blue-green leaves have a sweeter flavor after frost. Sow seeds in well-draining soil or under row covers for extra protection. Harvest the outer leaves as needed, and the plant will keep producing all winter long. It's ideal for hearty winter soups, sautés, or fresh salads.
4. Claytonia (Miner’s Lettuce) - Coldest Temperature: Down to 10°F (-12°C)
Claytonia, or miner’s lettuce, is a cold-hardy green that thrives in the winter garden. Its delicate round leaves have a mild, almost spinach-like flavor. Sow seeds directly in winter and they will germinate even in low temperatures. Harvest small leaves for fresh salads throughout winter.
5. Celeriac - Coldest Temperature: Down to 20°F (-6°C)
If you haven’t grown celeriac yet, you’re definitely missing out. This unique root vegetable tastes like a milder version of celery with a nutty flavor. It’s a crop that thrives in cooler seasons but takes some time to grow. Begin by starting seeds indoors and then transplant them into rich, well-draining soil. Harvest once the roots reach about the size of a baseball—perfect for soups and roasting.
6. Wu Choy - Coldest Temperature: Down to 5°F (-15°C)
Wu Choy, a cold-hardy variety of bok choy, can tolerate temperatures as low as five degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for winter gardens. It features upright, tender green leaves and crisp stems that enhance any stir fry, soup, or salad. Sow seeds directly in soil with some blood meal mixed in, and space plants 8-10 inches apart for full heads. Keep the soil moist for steady growth and harvest throughout the fall. Its ability to withstand cold temperatures makes it a must-grow leafy green in winter.
7. Parsnips - Coldest Temperature: Down to 0°F (-18°C)
For cold-hardy root crops, parsnips come to mind immediately. They're even more tolerant of the cold than carrots and become sweeter after frost. They can survive freezing temperatures down to zero degrees Fahrenheit if you cover them with a thick mulch layer, making them a prime candidate for winter gardens. Sow directly into loose, well-draining soil in late summer or early fall, and expect them to overwinter for a spring-ready harvest. While they take about two to three weeks to germinate, their nutty and creamy roots are worth the wait, especially when roasted or added to stews.
8. Salsify (Oyster Plant) - Coldest Temperature: Down to 20°F (-6°C)
Salsify, or the oyster plant, offers a unique taste akin to oysters or artichokes. This very cold-hardy root vegetable thrives in winter's cool weather. Sow seeds directly in loose, deep soil since the roots grow long. There's a white variety resembling parsnips, and a black variety called Scorzonera. Harvest them in late winter for a truly distinctive addition to your meals.
9. Rutabagas - Coldest Temperature: Down to 15°F (-9°C)
Rutabagas are winter root veggies sweeter and creamier than turnips. Frost-hardy, their flavor notably improves after a light freeze. Direct sow seeds, keeping them six inches apart. Harvest when the roots are softball-sized. They’re great for mashing, roasting, or adding to soups and offer a healthier option than potatoes due to lower carb content.
10. Winter Lettuces - Coldest Temperature: Down to 20°F (-6°C)
Lastly, don’t overlook winter lettuces. Varieties like Winter Density or Marvel of Four Seasons can handle surprising cold and still yield crisp, delicious leaves. Sow seeds in a cold frame, greenhouse, or under row covers for fresh greens throughout the winter.