What To Plant In December In California

Winter is a fantastic time to garden in California. If you’re wondering what to plant in December in California, you’re in luck. Our mild climate means you can grow a surprising variety of crops right through the cooler months. This guide will walk you through the best choices and simple steps for a successful winter garden.

The key is to focus on plants that thrive in cooler temperatures and shorter days. Many of these crops actually taste better after a light frost. Let’s get your garden ready.

Your December planting options depend heavily on your specific California climate zone. Coastal areas have different needs than inland valleys or southern deserts. Generally, you’ll be planting from seed or transplanting seedlings of cool-season vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Top Vegetables for December Planting

These are the workhorses of the winter garden. They grow well from seed sown directly in the ground or from nursery-started plants.

Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and lettuce mixes are perfect. They grow quickly and you can harvest leaves as needed.
Root Vegetables: Radishes and turnips mature very fast. Carrots and beets grow slower but can be started now for spring harvest.
The Brassica Family: This includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. It’s usually best to plant these as transplants (small plants) in December for a head start.
Peas: Sugar snap peas and snow peas love cool weather. Plant the seeds directly; they’ll climb as the days get longer.
Onions & Garlic: Plant onion sets or seeds and individual garlic cloves now. They’ll develop roots over winter and bulb up when it warms.

Herbs to Grow Now

Many herbs appreciate a break from the summer heat. These will provide fresh flavor all season.

Cilantro: It bolts quickly in summer, but grows lush in winter.
Parsley: Both flat-leaf and curly types are very hardy.
Chives: These are perennial and will keep producing.
Dill: Another herb that does much better in the cool season.

Flowers for Winter Color

Don’t forget to add some beauty to your garden. These annuals handle the chill.

Pansies & Violas: They come in endless colors and bloom continuously.
Snapdragons: Their tall spikes add nice vertical interest.
Calendula: The bright orange and yellow petals are edible too.
Sweet Peas: For fragrance and cutting, sow sweet pea seeds now.

Essential Garden Preparation Steps

A little prep makes a huge difference for your winter plants. Here’s what to do.

1. Assess and Improve Your Soil

Winter rains can compact soil. Add a 2-3 inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure to your beds. This improves drainage and provides nutrients. If your soil is heavy clay, consider building raised beds for better root growth.

2. Ensure Proper Drainage

Wet, soggy soil is the biggest winter killer. Make sure your planting area doesn’t puddle. If you garden in ground, you might need to create slight mounds or rows for plants to sit on, so water drains away from stems.

3. Mulch Thoughtfully

A light layer of mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) helps regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds. But keep it a few inches away from plant stems to prevent rot.

4. Plan for Frost Protection

Even in California, some areas get frost. Have row covers, cloches, or old bedsheets ready to throw over tender plants on cold nights. This simple step can save your crops.

Regional Considerations Across California

Your specific location changes your planting schedule slightly.

Northern California & Bay Area

Frost is more common. Focus on the hardiest greens like kale and collards. Use transplants for brassicas to ensure they mature. Good drainage is critical with higher rainfall.

Central Valley & Inland Areas

Temperatures can dip significantly. Row covers are essential for protecting seedlings on cold nights. You can still sow seeds of spinach and radishes directly. The winter sun is still strong, so provide some afternoon shade for leafy greens if they appear to wilt.

Southern California & Coastal Zones

You have the mildest conditions. You can succession plant lettuces and greens all month. This is also a great time to plant artichoke crowns and asparagus roots, which are perennial. Watch for slugs and snails, which are active in cool, damp weather.

Monthly Garden Task Checklist for December

Stay on track with this simple list.

Clean up fallen leaves from garden beds to reduce pests and disease.
Plant garlic and onion sets before the middle of the month.
Sow seeds of radishes, carrots, and peas directly in the ground.
Transplant seedlings of broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
Apply a thin layer of compost as a side dressing to existing plants.
Check irrigation systems; winter rains may mean you can turn them off, but water during dry spells.
Prune dormant fruit trees like apples and pears, but avoid pruning stone fruits now.
Harvest winter vegetables regularly to encourage more production.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Winter gardening has its own set of challenges. Here’s how to handle them.

Slow Growth: Shorter days mean plants grow slower. This is normal. Be patient.
Slugs and Snails: They love tender winter seedlings. Use organic bait or hand-pick them in the evening.
Aphids: They can appear on new growth. Spray them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
Frost Damage: If leaves look wilted or blackened after a frost, don’t prune immediately. Often, the plant will recover as the day warms.

FAQ: Your Winter Gardening Questions Answered

What can I plant in December in Southern California?

You can plant almost all the listed vegetables, plus herbs like cilantro and dill. It’s also an ideal time for strawberries, artichokes, and bare-root roses.

Is it to late to plant vegetables in December?

No, it’s not too late. For many cool-season crops, December is an ideal planting time. You’ll just want to use transplants for slower-growing plants like broccoli to ensure they mature.

What fruits can I plant in California in winter?

December is perfect for planting bare-root fruit trees and vines. This includes apples, pears, peaches, plums, grapes, and berries like raspberries and blackberries. They establish roots over the dormant season.

How often should I water my winter garden?

Water much less frequently than in summer. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger an inch into the soil. If it’s damp, wait. Overwatering is a common mistake in winter. Usually, natural rainfall is sufficient, but water during any dry spells that last over a week.

Can I really grow tomatoes in December?

Generally, no. Tomatoes are warm-season plants and will not survive frost or grow well in cool temperatures. It’s better to wait until spring to plant tomatoes.

Starting a winter garden is one of the joys of living in California. By choosing the right plants and providing basic care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown food and beautiful flowers throughout the season. The work you do now will lead to a bountiful harvest in the coming months. Get your seeds and tools ready, and take advantage of our unique climate.