10 Vegetables That Thrive in Cold Climates, Recommended by Horticulturists

Lettuce

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a terrific choice for cold-climate gardens.

"My favorite cold-tolerant vegetable to grow is definitely lettuce," says horticulture educator Laura Irish-Hanson, noting the wide variety of different types that can tolerate slightly sub-freezing temperatures.

"I like to start a wide variety of head and loose-leaf lettuce in early spring by direct seeding in my unheated greenhouse and under hoops in my garden, as well as starting some indoors to transplant into my raised beds a little later in spring," she says.

• Zones: 4 to 9; some varieties can even handle colder zones
• Mature size: 6 inches tall x 6 inches wide
• Care requirements: Partial sun; loose soil

Onions

Onions (Allium cepa) can tolerate cold temperatures, making them a great choice for regions where growing seasons are cut short by chilly temperatures.

"I like cool-weather vegetables that can be planted early, before the final frost," says master gardener Jennifer Rensenbrink. "Here in Minnesota, our springs can be tricky, with a late frost coming out of nowhere just when you think it's safe to plant your tomatoes."

She recommends onions because you can harvest them selectively to enjoy the freshest veggies possible.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Mature size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
• Care requirements: Rich, well-drained soil and full sun

Brussels Sprouts

One of the most interesting brassicas you can grow, Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea, var. gemmifera) are both unique and delicious.

Rensenbrink notes that Brussels sprouts have an incredibly long growing season due to their cold hardiness. "Thanks to their frost tolerance, they grow well here [in Minnesota] and even taste a little better after a light frost in October," she says.

• Zones: 3 to 10
• Mature size: 36 inches tall x 18 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, rich, well-drained soil

Kale

There's no question that kale packs a nutritional punch, but it's also very cold tolerant.

"It's one of the easiest vegetables to grow because you can plant it in spring and continue to harvest from the same plant into the winter," says Irish-Hanson. "It's also an extremely attractive plant."

She suggests exploring the many varieties of kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) for different colors, leaf shapes, leaf textures, and heights.

"I like to grow a variety of kale and plant them throughout my predominantly ornamental gardens because they add pops of purple or dusty blue," she says.

• Zones: 2 to 8
• Mature size: Varies; about 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Partial shade to full sun, well-drained soil, prefers cool temperatures for optimal growth

Garlic

Garlic is easy to grow and has a multitude of culinary uses; hardneck garlic, in particular, grows well in cold climates.

In fact, it's so cold-hardy that northern growers typically plant the bulbs late in the fall, where they remain dormant over the winter. When the first hint of spring warmth appears in the soil, the garlic quickly leaps to life, sending out fresh shoots even through the last bits of snow. 

• Zones: 3 to 6
• Mature size: about 36 inches tall x 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: full sun, well-drained soil

Leeks

"Leeks (Allium porrum) are a lovely, cold-tolerant plant," says Irish-Hanson. "While they have a long growing season—up to 120 days from planting to harvest, depending on the cultivar—their fan-shaped form also adds visual appeal to the garden."

They're a wonderful culinary staple, too, and can be used in soups, stews, and more.

• Zones: 4 to 9, but gardeners in cold climates may need to start them indoors
• Mature size: 12 to 24 inches tall 
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained, rich soil

Peas

Peas (Pisum sativum) love the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. These veggies don't even mind the occasional light frost so you can get your seeds started as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring.

You can choose from an assortment of types, including snap peas, snow peas, and English peas. 

• Zones: 2 to 11
• Size: 24 to 36 inches tall 
• Care requirements: Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens (Brassica juncea) are often underappreciated in the garden, but they provide a great combination of flavor and beauty—and they're very cold-hardy. You can plant them immediately in the spring and even sow a second fall crop—a few light freezes don't phase them in the slightest. 

• Zones: 3 to 10
• Size: 24 inches tall x 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil

Radishes

If you struggle with patience, then you should definitely plant some radishes (Raphanus sativus). Not only are they lightning-fast growers, but they also provide a surprising amount of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and potassium. Best of all, they're very cold tolerant.

• Zones: 2 to 11
• Size: 6 to 8 inches tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; loamy, sandy, moist, well-drained soil

Carrots

If you like a bit of a challenge, then carrots (Daucus carota) make for a great cold-climate option. They need soft, rock-free soil to encourage them to form properly; you'll also need to thin them early on to prevent overcrowding.

• Zones: 3 to 10; in warm climates, they can be grown year-round
• Mature size: The carrots themselves can be 2 to 12 inches long depending on the variety; plants are 12 inches tall
• Care requirements: Light and sandy soil (no rocks); full sun