10 Plants You Can Still Grow in December, According to Gardening Experts

Kale

Gardeners in northern climates often turn to cold-hardy kale (Brassica oleracea) for late-season plantings. "I would suggest that [anyone] interested in planting cool-season plants, like kale, only do so if the ground is not very wet or saturated," says horticulture educator Laura Irish-Hanson. "Working in overly saturated soils can lead to compaction, which can lead to a myriad of garden issues."

She recommends soil temperatures between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit if direct-seeding kale into the ground. If the soil is cooler, start seeds indoors and transplant the seedlings. "Kale grows best in temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why it is an excellent choice to grow during the cooler months," says Irish-Hanson.

• Zones: 2 to 11; zones 8 and up for winter planting
• Size: Varies; about 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Partial shade to full sun; well-drained soil

Tulips

In some locations, December may not be too late for planting spring-flowering bulbs, including the vibrant and colorful tulips (Tulipa). "Plant before the ground freezes—if it does in your particular location," says Irish-Hanson. "Many spring-flowering bulbs have a chilling period requirement that should be met. That is why we plant them in the fall to see spring blooms."

• Zones: 4 to 10; zones 8 and up for winter planting
• Size: 6 to 24 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

Swiss Chard

Another nutrient-packed leafy green, Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) is cold-hardy and a great choice to grow in winter if your location permits. "If you are in an area with a mild winter (USDA zones 8 and above), you can direct-sow seeds for spinach, Swiss chard, or kale," says Jentz. Swiss chard is cold-hardy to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold temperatures actually improve the flavor—an added bonus! 

• Zones: 2 to 11; zones 8 and up for winter planting
• Size: 24 inches tall x 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

Spinach

Once again, cold-weather greens can be your friend for December planting. Not only is spinach (Spinacia oleracea) cold-hardy and easy to grow, but it can also benefit from slightly colder temperatures—so no worries if your typically mild climate suffers a brief cold snap. "Spinach tastes better after being exposed to cold temperatures as the sugars are more concentrated in the cells," says Jentz.

• Zones: 3 to 9; zones 8 and up for winter planting
• Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Partial to full sun; light loamy soil

Broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) is happiest in cool temperatures, so if your region is too warm to grow broccoli during summer, try planting it in winter for a spring harvest. Still, there are precautions. "I don't recommend planting brassicas in December unless you are zones 9 to 11—and even then, they might not be right for your climate," warns Jentz.

The reason broccoli has the potential to work in December gardens in zones 9 to 11 is because it tolerates low temperatures and can even survive a few dips below freezing. Growing broccoli in cooler seasons can help prevent the plant from bolting (going to flower). "For most temperate growing zones (4 to 8), brassicas need to be started in mid-summer by seed indoors under grow lights and then planted out by late summer to get a good fall crop," says Jentz.

• Zones: 3 to 10; 9 to 11 for winter planting
• Size: 18 inches tall x 18 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil

Onion

December and January are good times to plant onion sets (tiny bulbs) if you live in zones 9 and up. Plant them about 4 inches apart and try to keep the weeds under control to help promote proper growth. Look for short-day onion (Allium cepa) varieties, which are best-suited for growth in warmer zones.

• Zones: Varies depending on type; generally 9 and up for winter planting
• Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; rich, well-drained soil

Dill

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a lovely herb that grows tall, smells wonderful, and puts on a showy display of globe-like flowers. In zones 8 and up, dill can be planted in December in hopes of a spring harvest, but you have to protect it from any surprise freezes the weather may throw your way.

• Zones: 3 to 7; 8 to 10 for winter planting
• Size: 18 to 48 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; moist, well-draining soil

Roses

If you enjoy enriching your garden with unique rose (Rosa spp.) varieties, you may find yourself purchasing bare root roses, which are dormant plants with no potted soil around them. While it's more challenging to plant bare root roses this way, it's best to do so when temperatures are cold so that the dormant plant isn't disturbed too quickly. December and early winter can be a good time to plant, regardless of region, as long as the ground isn't frozen.

• Zones: 5 to 10; some can handle zones 3 to 4
• Size: 4 feet tall x 4 feet wide, though some can spread and climb more
• Care requirements: Full sun; average soil

Daffodil

The bright and cheery daffodil (Narcissus) is a staple of the garden in spring, but is December too late to plant it? "As long as the ground is not frozen and can be worked, you can plant spring-blooming bulbs," says Jentz. "This includes daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, etc." She points out that you may notice daffodil foliage begin to emerge from the soil in December and adds that it is normal and the growing tips are cold-hardy.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Size: 20 inches tall x 10 to 20 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; rich well-drained soil

Mustard Greens

Like kale and spinach, mustard greens (Brassica juncea) are another cold-hardy crop that are a delight to grow. The foliage is beautiful—it's worth letting a few plants bolt and go to seed, just to admire the brilliant yellow flowers and tiny seeds. Mustard greens aren't quite as hardy as kale or spinach and won't be able to tolerate the cold as well, so take care to provide protection as needed. 

• Zones: 2 to 11; zones 8 and up for winter planting
• Size: 24 to 36 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full or partial sun; well-drained soil