15 Garden Vegetables That Can Withstand Winter Frost

While the vast majority of vegetables cannot survive the winter, cold winter temperatures and frost are actually ideal growing conditions for many cool-season vegetables.

If you want to grow cold-hardy vegetables in your garden during the winter months, today I propose that you discover a list of 15 garden vegetables that can withstand winter frost. Some of these vegetables can even withstand severe frosts and freezing temperatures.

Broccoli Garden

1. Broccoli
   Broccoli is part of the Brassica family of vegetables, which are frost-tolerant and cold-hardy.
   They grow best in cold climates and can survive temperatures as low as -3° to -5° C. In these freezing temperatures, the leaves may suffer frost burn, but the head of broccoli will still be edible.
   Broccoli can be planted 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost of the season so that it has enough time to grow before the weather warms up. After harvesting the main head of broccoli, you can leave the foliage in place and the plant can produce several small branches.
   

1. Brussels Sprouts
   Brussels sprouts are also part of the Brassica vegetable family and can tolerate severe frosts.
   The sprouts grow on tall stems, and the edible shoots resemble mini cabbages.
   The best quality Brussels sprouts are produced when there is plenty of sun during the day and light frosts at night.
2. Cabbages
   Cabbages grow best in regions with cold winter temperatures between 7°C and 24°C and will withstand light frosts. The gel will sweeten the cabbage so some light frosts are beneficial to the plants.
   In cold climates, you can grow two crops of cabbage during the year.
   Plant one crop in early spring to harvest in summer, then plant a second crop in late summer to harvest in winter.
3. Cauliflower
   Cauliflowers are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and grow best when the temperature is below 24°C. They need at least six hours of sunlight a day and cool temperatures, especially when sprouts are forming. Cauliflower plants will withstand light frosts, but not hard frosts that are too thick.
   

Kale

5. Kale or Collard Greens
   Kale plants grow best in cool climates and are frost tolerant.
   Kale takes about two months to mature and it’s best to plant kale so it’s ready to harvest when the weather is still cool.
   Cool temperatures help kale convert starches into sugars, so you get a much sweeter tasting crop.
6. Spinach
   Spinach is a cold-hardy leafy vegetable that tolerates light frost.
   Seeds can be planted directly in the garden six weeks before the last frost of the season.
   Spinach will be ready to harvest in six to eight weeks when the plants have at least six leaves.
   

5. Carrots
   Carrots are another popular frost-hardy vegetable that can be grown year-round.
   The leafy tops of carrots are cold-hardy down to -8°C, but carrot roots can tolerate even colder winter temperatures. Carrot seeds do well when planted directly in the garden in late summer and harvested during the winter months.
6. Peas
   Peas are easy-to-grow, frost-hardy vegetables that look great on a trellis.
   Peas can be sown in the garden four to six weeks before the last frost of the season and the plants will be ready to bear and harvests can be made in about two months.

Onions Garden Winter Frost

9. Onions
   Onions can withstand cold temperatures, light frosts and even snow.
   Seedlings are more sensitive to cold temperatures, while older plants are hardier.
   A thick layer of mulch will help protect plants in cold weather.
10. Leeks
    Leeks are cold-hardy vegetables that become sweeter and more flavorful after a frost.
    They are part of the same family as onions, shallots and scallions and are an easy vegetable to grow.
    Leeks can be planted in the garden in the fall and harvested throughout the winter.
    

9. Garlic
   Garlic takes seven to eight months to mature and needs at least six weeks of cold temperatures for optimal growth. The best time to plant garlic bulbs is in the fall, and the bulbs will be ready to harvest in late spring or summer.
10. Turnips
    Turnips are cold-hardy, frost-tolerant root vegetables that benefit from light frosts.
    The gel helps turnips develop sugars