USDA hardiness zone
Zone 2 — -50 to -40°F
Northern Alaska, parts of northern Canada · 90-day growing season
What grows in Zone 2
Zone 2 suits the following plants based on temperature tolerance and growing-season length:
- Saskatoon berry
- Highbush cranberry
- Currants
- Gooseberries
- Carrots
- Beets
- Spinach
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Rhubarb
Climate notes for Zone 2
Short-season tomato varieties (Sub-Arctic Plenty, Glacier) work under row covers. Most fruit trees fail outside protected microclimates.
Frost dates and timing
| Average last spring frost | early June |
|---|---|
| Average first fall frost | late August |
| Growing season length | ~90 days |
| Temperature range (F) | -50 to -40°F |
| Temperature range (C) | -46 to -40°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 2
Crop-by-crop sowing, transplant, and harvest dates for zone 2:
- When to plant garlic in zone 2
- When to plant lettuce in zone 2
- When to plant peas in zone 2
- When to plant carrots in zone 2
- When to plant broccoli in zone 2
- When to plant cauliflower in zone 2
- When to plant cabbage in zone 2
- When to plant kale in zone 2
- When to plant brussels sprouts in zone 2
- When to plant collard greens in zone 2
- When to plant spinach in zone 2
- When to plant swiss chard in zone 2
- When to plant arugula in zone 2
- When to plant beets in zone 2
- When to plant radishes in zone 2
- When to plant turnips in zone 2
- When to plant parsnips in zone 2
- When to plant kohlrabi in zone 2
- When to plant onions in zone 2
- When to plant leeks in zone 2
- When to plant asparagus in zone 2
- When to plant rhubarb in zone 2
- When to plant watermelon in zone 2
- When to plant pole beans in zone 2
- When to plant edamame in zone 2
- When to plant fava beans in zone 2
- When to plant cilantro in zone 2
- When to plant dill in zone 2
- When to plant parsley in zone 2
- When to plant chives in zone 2
Common questions
What can I plant in USDA Zone 2?
Zone 2 suits Saskatoon berry, Highbush cranberry, Currants, Gooseberries, Carrots, Beets, and more, based on its 90-day growing season and -50 to -40°F average minimum temperatures.
When is the last frost in Zone 2?
The average last spring frost in Zone 2 passes around early June, and the first fall frost arrives around late August. Wait until after the last frost date before planting tender crops outdoors.
How long is the growing season in Zone 2?
Zone 2 has roughly 90 frost-free growing days between the average last spring frost (early June) and the first fall frost (late August).
What is the temperature range of USDA Zone 2?
USDA Zone 2 is defined by average annual minimum temperatures of -50 to -40°F (-46 to -40°C).
When can I start planting in Zone 2?
Hardy cool-season crops can go outdoors a few weeks before the last frost (early June); tender crops should wait until 1–2 weeks after it. Start warm-season seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before early June.