{"id":8863,"date":"2026-10-20T01:53:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:53:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/20\/7-of-the-best-hardy-salad-greens-for-winter-gardens\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T01:53:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:53:11","slug":"7-of-the-best-hardy-salad-greens-for-winter-gardens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/20\/7-of-the-best-hardy-salad-greens-for-winter-gardens\/","title":{"rendered":"7 of the Best Hardy Salad Greens for Winter Gardens"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Does the threat of cold weather and the changing of the seasons bring a tear to your eye? Pre-winter blues got you down?<\/p>\n

Just because it\u2019s turned crisp and cool outside doesn\u2019t mean you need to stop enjoying fresh garden greens.<\/p>\n

While it is true that many annual crops don\u2019t do well in freezing conditions, there are several cold-hardy greens that can be grown well into those chilly winter months, and even last until spring in more mild climates.<\/p>\n

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We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links,\u00a0<\/em>we may earn a commission<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

This article will delve into selecting the best plants for winter, but first, we\u2019ll touch on a few general tips to keep in mind.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s everything we\u2019ll cover:<\/p>\n

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Best Salad Greens for Winter Gardens<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

The first step to growing any type of winter greens successfully is to find a sheltered but sunny spot in the garden with good drainage.<\/p>\n

This is key, as young seedlings may freeze if water pools.<\/p>\n

Sow your seeds in early fall, or start them indoors<\/a><\/strong> in summer and transplant the seedlings out at least a few weeks before the first frost in your area.<\/p>\n

This gives them more time to become established before the days shorten.<\/p>\n

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Water well and keep moist until seedlings emerge, or until your transplants are well established.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s crucial to keep the soil warm enough to prevent the roots from freezing.<\/p>\n

There are a number of techniques and materials available to you for keeping the soil from freezing, such as hoop houses<\/strong><\/a>, cold frames, garden blankets, and even thick mulch<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can learn more about season extension methods in our article<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Protect newly planted seeds and young seedlings with a garden blanket if a freezing night is in the forecast.<\/p>\n

Remember to open row covers on sunny days to allow for adequate airflow, and to keep the inside from overheating.<\/p>\n

Once the plants are established, water only when necessary, and do so at midday.<\/p>\n

Do not water if freezing temperatures are predicted overnight, as this could cause frost damage<\/a><\/strong> on the foliage.<\/p>\n

So, how should you choose which plants to grow? When selecting your seeds, look for varieties that can germinate in cool weather, and that are hardy in cold temperatures.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve made the process of picking the best options as easy as possible. Read on for a list of yummy greens to grow in winter.<\/p>\n

1. Arugula<\/h2>\n

Spice up winter salads with some arugula, Eruca vesicaria<\/em> ssp. sativa<\/em>. Quick-growing and frost tolerant, this flavorful leafy green is hardy to 28\u00b0F.<\/p>\n

You can sow seeds up until late fall. The seeds will germinate in temperatures down to 40\u00b0F.<\/p>\n

Protect plants from hard freezes with a cold frame<\/strong><\/a> or hoop house.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Rocket\u2019 Arugula<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Seeds of \u2018Rocket\u2019 arugula, the popular variety typically found in supermarkets, are available for purchase from Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Read more about growing arugula here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

2. Lamb\u2019s Lettuce<\/h2>\n

Lamb\u2019s lettuce, or Valerianella locusta<\/em>, also referred to as mache or corn salad, produces rosettes of small rounded leaves with a mild nutty flavor.<\/p>\n

This plant does exceptionally well in cold weather and can even survive under snow.<\/p>\n

Mache is slow-growing. To produce an adequate crop, you may want to plant a large amount.<\/p>\n

You can also use protective cloths or other types of row covers to speed growth.<\/p>\n

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Lamb\u2019s Lettuce<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Harvest individual leaves, or pick the entire rosette.<\/p>\n

You can buy seeds in various package sizes up to a quarter-pound from Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

3. Mizuna<\/h2>\n

A member of the mustard family sometimes referred to as Japanese mustard, this fast-maturing cold-hardy leafy green is tolerant of low light levels, making it ideal for winter growing.<\/p>\n

Brassica rapa<\/em> var. nipposinica<\/em> seeds germinate in soil down to 40\u00b0F and can survive subzero temperatures.<\/p>\n

The mild-flavored feathery green leaves have a pleasant crunch that\u2019s perfect for use in salads.<\/p>\n

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Mizuna<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

True Leaf Market has several options available including this one that matures in only 30 days<\/a><\/strong>, as well as a beautiful red-streaked organic heirloom variety<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Find tips for growing mizuna here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

4. Salad Burnet<\/h2>\n

This perennial herb is hardy to -30\u00b0F, and thrives all year in mild climates. Even in frigid climates, Sanguisorba minor<\/em> is one of the latest leafy greens to die back.<\/p>\n

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It has fern-like lacy leaves that taste a bit like cucumber. The young tender leaves can be picked and enjoyed atop salads or as a garnish.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re gardening in Zone 4 or below, protect plants with a thick straw mulch, and cover on very cold nights.<\/p>\n

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Salad Burnet<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Open-pollinated heirloom seeds are available for purchase from True Leaf Market<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

5. Spinach<\/h2>\n

Spinach, Spinacia oleracea,<\/em> will tolerate temperatures down to at least 20\u00b0F, and can be grown year round in mild climates. It overwinters without added protection in Zones 6 and above.<\/p>\n

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In colder areas, you should cover it when a deep freeze is expected.<\/p>\n

Growth will slow once temperatures drop, but if protected through the most frigid weather, your plants will pick back up again when the days begin to lengthen in February and March.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Bloomsdale\u2019 Spinach<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Choose a cold-hardy variety such as \u2018Bloomsdale,\u2019 which is available from Botanical Interests<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Learn more about growing spinach here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

6. Watercress<\/h2>\n

Watercress, Nasturtium officinale,<\/em> is an aquatic perennial that is hardy down to Zone 5.<\/p>\n

With a mild, peppery flavor, it has hollow stalks and round, pale green leaves that form dense mats of foliage. Watercress is found in the wild along the edges of running water.<\/p>\n

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It can be grown in the garden as long as you are able to keep the soil constantly wet.<\/p>\n

Use a thick mulch to help retain soil moisture. It does well planted in containers in a soilless potting mix set on top of a pan or bucket filled with two to three inches of water.<\/p>\n

Sow seeds in fall, in soil that is 50 to 60\u00b0F.<\/p>\n

Begin harvesting a few weeks after seedlings emerge, cutting the plants back to a few inches in height. The foliage will grow back thicker after cutting.<\/p>\n

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Watercress<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

You can pick up a packet of heirloom seeds from True Leaf Market<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Find tips on planting and growing watercress here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

7. Winter Purslane<\/h2>\n

Also known as miner\u2019s lettuce, Claytonia perfoliata<\/em> is a hardy plant grown for its tough, heart-shaped succulent leaves that have a spinach-like flavor.<\/p>\n

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The young leaves may be cut repeatedly throughout the season for use in salads.<\/p>\n

This self-seeding annual can survive temperatures down to 5\u00b0F, and grows year round in mild climates.<\/p>\n

Seeds are available from Outsidepride via Amazon<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Get tips on growing miner\u2019s lettuce here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thank Goodness for Hardy Greens<\/h2>\n

Growing fresh greens is a wonderful way to keep your spirit up through those dark, frigid months.<\/p>\n

Try planting some of these cold-hardy greens and enjoy something fresh on your plate long into the winter.<\/p>\n

What cold-hardy salad greens do you love to grow? Share your favorites in the comments below!<\/p>\n

Looking for more ideas on gardening in the winter<\/a><\/strong>? You won\u2019t want to miss these articles:<\/p>\n