As cold temperatures and frost events become concerns for farmers and gardeners, understanding the cold tolerance of different vegetable and fruit crops is essential. Many crops can survive brief exposure to cold, but prolonged freezing can cause irreversible damage, reducing yields or leading to plant death. Below is a guide to the minimum temperatures that popular vegetable and fruit crops can withstand before suffering critical damage.
| Crop | Minimum Temperature (°C/°F) | Survival with Protection | Survival without Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) | -2°C (28°F) | 7–10 days | 1–2 days |
| Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) | 0°C (32°F) | 3–5 days | Less than 1 day |
| Peppers (Capsicum spp.) | 0°C (32°F) | 5–7 days | 1–2 days |
| Carrots (Daucus carota) | -6°C (21°F) | 10–14 days | 3–5 days |
| Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) | -5°C (23°F) | 7–10 days | 2–3 days |
| Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) | -7°C (19°F) | 10–14 days | 3–5 days |
| Corn (Zea mays) | 0°C (32°F) | 3–5 days | Less than 1 day |
| Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) | -3°C (27°F) | 5–7 days | 1–2 days |
| Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) | -10°C (14°F) | 14–20 days | 5–7 days |
| Apples (Malus domestica) | -20°C (-4°F) | 20+ days | 7–10 days |
| Citrus (Citrus spp.) | -3°C (27°F) | 5–7 days | 1–2 days |
| Bananas (Musa spp.) | 0°C (32°F) | 3–5 days | Less than 1 day |
| Grapes (Vitis vinifera) | -15°C (5°F) | 14–20 days | 5–7 days |
How to Protect Crops from Extreme Cold
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Row Covers – Using floating row covers can insulate plants from frost damage.
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Mulching – Applying a thick layer of mulch retains soil warmth and protects root systems.
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Cold Frames & Greenhouses – Providing shelter from freezing temperatures extends growing seasons.
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Watering Before Frost – Moist soil retains more heat than dry soil, offering some protection against frost.
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Hardy Varieties – Selecting frost-resistant plant varieties increases cold survival rates.
