What Plants Should I Plant In December? 10 Best Options

What plants should I plant in December is a question that depends entirely on where you garden. In mild-winter zones, December is prime planting season for bare-root trees, bulbs, and cool-season greens. In cold-winter zones, the ground is frozen and December is a time for indoor sowing, dormant planting, and planning rather than digging.

Choosing what to plant in December depends on your hardiness zone, soil temperature, and whether you are planting outdoors, indoors, or starting seeds under lights. December planting succeeds when it matches the plants natural dormancy and cold requirements rather than fighting the season.

December planting is used for bare-root fruit trees, spring bulbs, garlic, cool-season greens, houseplants, and indoor seed starting, so selection must account for frost dates, chilling requirements, and light levels. A plant that thrives in a December planting in one zone may fail in another.

In this guide, we review the 10 best plants to plant in December by examining climate suitability, planting method, and what each plant needs to establish.

What Plants Should I Plant In December? 10 Best Options

1. Garlic – Best Overall Plant To Plant In December

Garlic is the best overall plant to plant in December because it needs cold dormancy to form large bulbs. In mild to moderate climates, December planting gives garlic the chilling period it requires before spring growth.

Planting is usually simple thanks to separated cloves and well-drained soil. Because the cloves root before deep freeze, mulching after planting protects them through winter. In very cold zones, plant earlier or use heavy mulch.

Garlic bulbs from a reputable supplier are backed by quality guarantees and work well for gardeners who want a dependable December crop.

2. Tulip Bulbs – Best Spring Color Planted In December

Tulip bulbs can be planted in December in mild-winter zones where the ground has not frozen. They need a chilling period, and December planting still allows enough cold to trigger spring bloom.

Planting is usually simple thanks to a bulb planter and well-drained soil. Because the bulbs need cold, planting too late in warm zones can reduce bloom. In cold zones, plant before the ground freezes.

Tulip bulbs from a reputable supplier are backed by quality guarantees and work well for gardeners who want spring color.

3. Daffodil Bulbs – Best Reliable December Bulb

Daffodil bulbs are a reliable December planting in mild zones because they tolerate late planting better than many bulbs. They naturalize and return each year in most climates.

Planting is usually simple thanks to a bulb planter and well-drained soil. Because the bulbs are deer resistant and long-lived, they deliver reliable spring color. They tolerate partial shade.

Daffodil bulbs from a reputable supplier are backed by quality guarantees and work well for gardeners who want low-maintenance spring bloom.

4. Bare-Root Fruit Trees – Best Dormant Planting In December

Bare-root fruit trees are best planted in December in mild-winter zones because they are dormant and establish roots before spring. December planting gives them a head start over spring-planted trees.

Planting is usually straightforward thanks to soaking roots and planting immediately. Because the trees are dormant, they suffer less transplant shock. Mulching and staking support establishment.

Bare-root fruit trees from a reputable nursery are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners in mild-winter zones.

5. Bare-Root Roses – Best Dormant December Planting

Bare-root roses can be planted in December in mild-winter zones while they are dormant. Planting now gives roots time to settle before spring growth.

Planting is usually straightforward thanks to soaking roots and planting at the right depth. Because the plants are dormant, they need less water and care. Mulching protects roots through winter.

Bare-root roses from a reputable nursery are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for gardeners in mild-winter zones.

6. Cool-Season Greens (Spinach, Kale, Lettuce) – Best December Edibles In Mild Zones

Cool-season greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce can be planted in December in mild-winter zones. They grow slowly through winter and produce an early spring harvest.

Planting is usually simple thanks to direct sowing and consistent moisture. Because the plants tolerate frost, they keep growing slowly through winter. Row cover protects tender seedlings.

Cool-season greens seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners in mild-winter zones.

7. Cover Crops (Crimson Clover, Winter Rye) – Best Soil-Building December Planting

Cover crops like crimson clover and winter rye can be planted in December in mild zones to protect and improve soil through winter. They prevent erosion and add organic matter.

Planting is usually simple thanks to broadcast sowing and light incorporation. Because the crops grow through winter, they hold soil and suppress weeds. They are tilled in before seed set in spring.

Cover crop seeds from a reputable supplier are backed by germination guarantees and work well for gardeners who want soil improvement.

8. Amaryllis Bulbs – Best Indoor December Planting

Amaryllis bulbs are the best indoor December planting because they bloom indoors in winter with minimal care. Planting now delivers dramatic blooms in six to eight weeks.

Planting is usually simple thanks to a pot, well-drained mix, and bright light. Because the bulb stores energy, it needs little fertilizer during bloom. Staking supports tall stems.

Amaryllis bulbs from a reputable supplier are backed by quality guarantees and work well for gardeners who want winter color indoors.

9. Paperwhite Narcissus – Best Quick Indoor December Bulb

Paperwhite narcissus are quick indoor bulbs that bloom in three to four weeks, making them ideal for December planting. They grow in water or soil and fill a room with fragrance.

Planting is usually simple thanks to a shallow bowl, pebbles, and water. Because the bulbs do not need soil, they are easy to start on a windowsill. Staking keeps tall stems upright.

Paperwhite bulbs from a reputable supplier are backed by quality guarantees and work well for indoor winter blooms.

10. Houseplants – Best Indoor December Planting

Houseplants can be planted or repotted in December indoors where light and warmth are controlled. December is a good time to add greenery while the garden is dormant.

Planting is usually simple thanks to well-drained potting mix and bright indirect light. Because indoor conditions are stable, plants establish through winter. Avoid overwatering in low light.

Houseplants from a reputable supplier are backed by live-arrival guarantees and work well for indoor gardening in any zone.

Tips For Planting In December

• Know your zone: December planting works outdoors in mild-winter zones. In cold-winter zones, focus on indoor bulbs, houseplants, and planning.
• Check soil temperature: Bulbs and garlic need soil that is workable, not frozen. Plant before the ground freezes solid.
• Mulch after planting: A thick layer of mulch protects roots and bulbs from freeze-thaw cycles.
• Water carefully: Newly planted items need moisture but not soggy soil. Water deeply and then let the soil settle.
• Protect from frost: Row cover, cloches, and cold frames extend the season for cool-season greens.
• Choose dormant stock: Bare-root trees and roses establish best when planted dormant in mild winter weather.
• Start indoor bulbs in succession: Plant amaryllis and paperwhites every two weeks for continuous winter bloom.

What Plants Should I Plant In December Frequently Asked Questions

1. What plants should I plant in December?

In mild-winter zones, plant garlic, tulips, daffodils, bare-root fruit trees and roses, cool-season greens, and cover crops. In any climate, plant amaryllis, paperwhites, and houseplants indoors.

2. Can I plant bulbs in December?

Yes, in mild-winter zones where the ground is not frozen. Tulips and daffodils planted in December still receive enough chilling to bloom in spring.

3. Can I plant garlic in December?

Yes. Garlic needs cold dormancy, and December planting works in mild to moderate zones. Mulch heavily to protect cloves through freeze-thaw cycles.

4. What can I plant in December in cold climates?

In cold climates, plant indoor bulbs like amaryllis and paperwhites, add or repot houseplants, and start seeds under lights. Outdoor planting waits until the ground thaws.

5. Can I plant trees in December?

Yes, bare-root trees can be planted in December in mild-winter zones while they are dormant. Do not plant in frozen ground.

6. Can I plant grass seed in December?

Dormant seeding is possible in cold climates just before the ground freezes, but germination waits until spring. In mild zones, cool-season grass seed can establish in December.

7. What vegetables can I plant in December?

In mild-winter zones, plant spinach, kale, lettuce, garlic, and cover crops. In cold zones, grow microgreens and herbs indoors.

Conclusion

Garlic is the best overall plant to plant in December because it needs cold dormancy and returns a dependable harvest. Tulips, daffodils, bare-root fruit trees, bare-root roses, and cool-season greens follow closely in mild-winter zones.

Cover crops improve soil through winter, while amaryllis, paperwhites, and houseplants bring color indoors in any climate. December planting succeeds when it matches each plants dormancy and cold requirements.

Effective December planting depends on knowing your zone, checking soil temperature, mulching after planting, and protecting new plants from freeze-thaw cycles. Indoor options keep gardening going through winter.

Start with crops suited to your climate, plant before the ground freezes, and plan for spring. Thoughtful December planting delivers earlier harvests and healthier plants next season.