USDA hardiness zone
Zone 1 — -60 to -50°F
Interior Alaska (Fairbanks region) · 60-day growing season
What grows in Zone 1
Zone 1 suits the following plants based on temperature tolerance and growing-season length:
- Birch (Betula)
- Quaking aspen
- Lingonberry
- Rhubarb
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Radishes
- Lettuce (cold-hardy)
- Potatoes (short-season)
- Peas
Climate notes for Zone 1
Outdoor flowering ornamentals are largely impossible. Greenhouse and cold-frame growing are the norm. Garlic must be planted very early in fall.
Frost dates and timing
| Average last spring frost | mid-June |
|---|---|
| Average first fall frost | mid-August |
| Growing season length | ~60 days |
| Temperature range (F) | -60 to -50°F |
| Temperature range (C) | -51 to -46°C |
These are zone-wide averages. Local microclimates (south-facing slopes, urban heat, lakeside warmth) can shift dates by 1-2 weeks within the same zone.
Source and methodology
Temperature ranges from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023). Frost-date averages from NOAA Climate Data Online national averages within each zone. Plant recommendations curated by the Growli editorial team from US extension service references.
What to plant in Zone 1
Crop-by-crop sowing, transplant, and harvest dates for zone 1:
- When to plant garlic in zone 1
- When to plant lettuce in zone 1
- When to plant peas in zone 1
- When to plant carrots in zone 1
- When to plant broccoli in zone 1
- When to plant cauliflower in zone 1
- When to plant cabbage in zone 1
- When to plant kale in zone 1
- When to plant collard greens in zone 1
- When to plant spinach in zone 1
- When to plant swiss chard in zone 1
- When to plant arugula in zone 1
- When to plant beets in zone 1
- When to plant radishes in zone 1
- When to plant turnips in zone 1
- When to plant parsnips in zone 1
- When to plant kohlrabi in zone 1
- When to plant onions in zone 1
- When to plant leeks in zone 1
- When to plant asparagus in zone 1
- When to plant rhubarb in zone 1
- When to plant watermelon in zone 1
- When to plant pole beans in zone 1
- When to plant edamame in zone 1
- When to plant fava beans in zone 1
- When to plant cilantro in zone 1
- When to plant dill in zone 1
- When to plant parsley in zone 1
- When to plant chives in zone 1
Common questions
What can I plant in USDA Zone 1?
Zone 1 suits Birch (Betula), Quaking aspen, Lingonberry, Rhubarb, Cabbage, Kale, and more, based on its 60-day growing season and -60 to -50°F average minimum temperatures.
When is the last frost in Zone 1?
The average last spring frost in Zone 1 passes around mid-June, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-August. Wait until after the last frost date before planting tender crops outdoors.
How long is the growing season in Zone 1?
Zone 1 has roughly 60 frost-free growing days between the average last spring frost (mid-June) and the first fall frost (mid-August).
What is the temperature range of USDA Zone 1?
USDA Zone 1 is defined by average annual minimum temperatures of -60 to -50°F (-51 to -46°C).
When can I start planting in Zone 1?
Hardy cool-season crops can go outdoors a few weeks before the last frost (mid-June); tender crops should wait until 1–2 weeks after it. Start warm-season seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before mid-June.