USDA Hardiness Zone 2 Planting Guide
Zone 2 covers locations where the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature ranges from -50 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. This page covers both subzones: zone 2a (-50 to -45 degrees F) and zone 2b (-45 to -40 degrees F).
Zone 2 Overview
Zone 2 spans minimum temperatures from negative 50 to negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit, found in the coldest inhabited areas of Alaska and a few extreme locations in the northern Lower 48 states. Gardening in zone 2 is a determined pursuit that demands cold-adapted varieties, aggressive season extension, and realistic expectations. The growing season is typically 100 to 120 days. Despite these constraints, interior Alaska gardeners in zone 2b produce remarkable crops during the long summer days, with some growing giant cabbages and pumpkins that win competitions. The key is maximizing every hour of available growing time through indoor starts, warm-season structures, and succession planting of quick crops.
Zone 2 Temperature Ranges
| Subzone | Min Temp (°F) | Max Temp (°F) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2a | -50°F | -45°F | Northern Alaska and mountain peaks; short growing season |
| 2b | -45°F | -40°F | Interior Alaska and northern plains; cold-hardy trees and shrubs |
Plants for Zone 2
Zone 2 supports more woody plant options than zone 1 but still limits gardeners to proven cold-hardy selections. Paper birch, white spruce, quaking aspen, and balsam fir are reliable trees. Among shrubs, Siberian pea shrub, rugosa roses, some lilacs, and native berry bushes (lingonberries, lowbush blueberries) survive well. Perennials including delphiniums, Siberian iris, peonies (the hardiest cultivars), and native wildflowers add color to the brief summer display. Rhubarb is perhaps the most reliable perennial food plant for zone 2.
Vegetable Gardening in Zone 2
Quick-maturing brassicas (45 to 60 days) like bok choy, pac choi, and Napa cabbage are dependable. Leafy greens including spinach, lettuce, arugula, and kale go in as soon as soil thaws. Root vegetables (carrots, beets, turnips, rutabagas) handle the cool conditions well and store through winter. Potatoes are a zone 2 staple. Peas planted in early spring produce before summer heat arrives. Short-season tomatoes and peppers can succeed with indoor starting and season extension, but require significant effort and infrastructure.
Frost Protection & Season Tips for Zone 2
High tunnels and greenhouses extend the season dramatically in zone 2. Clear plastic mulch warms soil for earlier planting. Snow fences and windbreaks protect gardens from desiccating winter and spring winds. Mulching perennial beds heavily with straw or wood chips before the snow flies insulates root systems through the worst cold. Planting in the warmest microclimate available — south-facing, sheltered from wind, with thermal mass from nearby buildings or rock — can mean the difference between success and failure for marginal crops.
Cities in Zone 2
The following cities in our database fall within zone 2. Click any city for detailed frost dates and planting calendars.