Best Vegetables To Plant In December In California : For California Mediterranean December Crops

California’s December planting schedule includes vegetables suited to both coastal fog and inland sunshine. Finding the best vegetables to plant in december in california depends on your specific region, from the cool coastal valleys to the warmer inland areas. This guide covers exactly what to sow now for a productive winter garden.

December might seem quiet for gardening, but California’s mild climate offers plenty of opportunities. You can grow leafy greens, root vegetables, and even some brassicas during this month. The key is choosing varieties that tolerate cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours.

Best Vegetables To Plant In December In California

When selecting the best vegetables to plant in december in california, focus on cold-hardy crops that thrive in temperatures between 40°F and 60°F. These plants can handle frost in many areas and still produce well. Below is a breakdown of top choices for different regions.

Leafy Greens For December Planting

Leafy greens are ideal for December because they grow quickly and tolerate cool weather. They also provide continuous harvests if you pick outer leaves regularly.

Kale – Varieties like Lacinato and Red Russian handle frost well. Plant seeds or transplants 12 inches apart.
Spinach – Choose smooth-leaf types for faster growth. Sow seeds 1 inch deep in well-drained soil.
Lettuce – Romaine and butterhead varieties work best. Space plants 8 inches apart for full heads.
Swiss Chard – This colorful green tolerates both cold and heat. Plant seeds 2 inches apart and thin later.
Arugula – Grows quickly in cool weather. Sow seeds every 2 weeks for continuous harvest.

These greens need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. In coastal areas, they can handle more shade. Water consistently but avoid overwatering, as cold soil holds moisture longer.

Root Vegetables For December Sowing

Root vegetables develop slowly in cool soil but produce sweeter flavors. They store well and can be harvested through winter.

Carrots – Choose short varieties like Nantes or Chantenay for heavier soils. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
Beets – Both roots and greens are edible. Plant seeds 1 inch apart and thin to 3 inches.
Radishes – Fast-growing and perfect for gaps. Harvest in 25-30 days.
Turnips – Varieties like Purple Top White Globe mature in 60 days. Plant 1/2 inch deep.
Parsnips – Need 120 days but sweeten after frost. Sow in deep, loose soil.

Root vegetables require loose, well-drained soil without rocks. Add compost before planting to improve texture. Water deeply once a week if rain is scarce.

Brassicas For December Planting

Brassicas, or cabbage family crops, thrive in cool weather. They need consistent moisture and benefit from frost for better flavor.

Broccoli – Plant transplants 18 inches apart. Harvest central head first, then side shoots.
Cauliflower – Needs careful watering to prevent buttoning. Space 24 inches apart.
Cabbage – Choose early varieties like Golden Acre. Plant 12-18 inches apart.
Brussels Sprouts – Long-season crop (90-120 days). Plant in rich soil with full sun.
Kohlrabi – Quick-growing bulb vegetable. Harvest when 2-3 inches wide.

Brassicas are heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again after 4 weeks. Watch for aphids and cabbage worms, which can still appear in mild winters.

Regional Considerations For December Planting

California’s diverse climate means planting times vary. Understanding your region helps you choose the best vegetables to plant in december in california for your specific area.

Coastal Regions (Zones 9-10)

Coastal areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have mild winters with rare frost. You can plant almost all cool-season crops in December.

Focus on leafy greens and brassicas that prefer consistent temperatures.
Plant peas and fava beans for nitrogen fixation.
Use row covers to protect from heavy rain or wind.
Harvest continuously to encourage new growth.

Inland Valleys (Zones 8-9)

Inland areas like Sacramento, Fresno, and Riverside experience colder nights and occasional frost. Choose hardier varieties and use protection.

Plant kale, spinach, and carrots for frost tolerance.
Use cloches or frost cloth on freezing nights.
Plant in raised beds for better drainage and warmth.
Delay planting tender crops like peas until late December.

Mountain And High Desert Regions (Zones 5-7)

Higher elevations like Lake Tahoe or the Sierra Nevada have harsh winters. December planting is limited to cold frames or greenhouses.

Focus on microgreens and sprouts indoors.
Use cold frames for kale and spinach.
Plant garlic cloves for spring harvest.
Mulch heavily to protect soil from freezing.

Step-By-Step December Planting Guide

Follow these steps to ensure success with your December garden. Preparation is key when soil temperatures drop.

Test soil temperature – Use a soil thermometer. Most cool-season crops germinate best between 50°F and 65°F.
Amend soil – Add 2-3 inches of compost and a balanced organic fertilizer. Work it in 6-8 inches deep.
Choose appropriate varieties – Look for cold-tolerant cultivars like ‘Winterbor’ kale or ‘Merlin’ broccoli.
Plant seeds at correct depth – Small seeds like lettuce need 1/8 inch; larger seeds like peas need 1 inch.
Water gently – Use a fine spray to avoid displacing seeds. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Apply mulch – Use straw or shredded leaves to insulate soil and retain moisture.
Monitor for pests – Check undersides of leaves for aphids and caterpillars weekly.
Harvest regularly – Pick outer leaves of greens and small roots to encourage more growth.

Common Mistakes To Avoid In December

Even experienced gardeners make errors in winter planting. Avoid these pitfalls for better results.

Planting too late – Seeds need time to establish before coldest weather. Plant by mid-December.
Overwatering – Cold soil drains slowly. Water only when top inch feels dry.
Skipping frost protection – Even hardy crops benefit from covers during hard freezes.
Ignoring soil pH – Most vegetables prefer pH 6.0-7.0. Test and adjust with lime or sulfur.
Planting in compacted soil – Roots struggle in heavy clay. Use raised beds or containers.

Container Gardening For December

If you lack garden space, containers work well for winter vegetables. They offer mobility and better soil control.

Best Containers For Winter Vegetables

Choose containers at least 12 inches deep for root vegetables and 8 inches for greens. Use pots with drainage holes.

5-gallon buckets for broccoli or cabbage.
Window boxes for lettuce and arugula.
Deep pots (18 inches) for carrots and parsnips.
Self-watering containers for consistent moisture.

Care Tips For Container Vegetables

Container plants need more attention than in-ground ones. Follow these guidelines.

Use high-quality potting mix, not garden soil.
Water when soil feels dry 1 inch down.
Fertilize every 2 weeks with liquid seaweed or fish emulsion.
Move containers to sunniest spots during cold spells.
Wrap pots with bubble wrap to insulate roots.

Companion Planting In December

Companion planting improves growth and reduces pests. Pair vegetables wisely for best results.

Kale and beets – Beets provide ground cover, kale grows tall.
Carrots and onions – Onions repel carrot flies.
Lettuce and strawberries – Lettuce shades soil for strawberries.
Broccoli and dill – Dill attracts beneficial insects.
Spinach and peas – Peas fix nitrogen for spinach.

Avoid planting brassicas near strawberries or tomatoes. Also keep onions away from peas and beans.

Harvesting Tips For December Vegetables

Harvesting at the right time ensures peak flavor and nutrition. Cool-season crops often taste sweeter after light frost.

When To Harvest Different Vegetables

Kale – Pick outer leaves when 6-8 inches long. Leave center to grow.
Carrots – Harvest when 1/2 to 1 inch wide. Loosen soil before pulling.
Broccoli – Cut central head when tight and dark green. Side shoots follow.
Radishes – Pull when 1 inch wide. They become woody if left too long.
Swiss Chard – Cut outer stalks 2 inches above soil. New leaves regrow.

Use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging plants. Harvest in the morning for best crispness.

Extending The Growing Season

With simple techniques, you can extend your December harvest into January and February. These methods protect plants from cold.

Using Cold Frames

Cold frames are simple boxes with glass or plastic tops. They trap heat and shield plants from wind.

Place cold frame in south-facing location.
Open lid on sunny days to prevent overheating.
Close at night to retain warmth.
Use for lettuce, spinach, and radishes.

Row Covers And Cloches

Floating row covers are lightweight fabrics that protect from frost. Cloches are individual plant covers.

Use row covers for beds of kale or carrots.
Cloches work well for broccoli or cauliflower.
Remove covers during day if temperatures rise above 60°F.
Secure edges with rocks or soil to prevent wind damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common questions about December planting in California, with keyword variations.

What vegetables can I plant in December in California?

You can plant kale, spinach, lettuce, carrots, beets, radishes, broccoli, and cauliflower. Choose cold-hardy varieties for best results.

Is it too late to plant vegetables in December in California?

No, it’s not too late. Many cool-season crops thrive when planted in December, especially in coastal and inland valleys. Use frost protection in colder areas.

Can I plant tomatoes in December in California?

Tomatoes are warm-season crops and not recommended for December. Wait until March or April for best results. Focus on leafy greens and roots instead.

What are the best vegetables to plant in December in Southern California?

In Southern California, plant broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, peas, and carrots. The mild climate allows for a wide variety of winter crops.

How do I protect December vegetables from frost?

Use row covers, cloches, or cold frames. Water soil before frost, as moist soil retains heat. Mulch around plants to insulate roots.

Final Thoughts On December Planting

December gardening in California is rewarding with the right choices. Focus on cold-hardy vegetables and adjust for your region. Start small if you’re new to winter planting, and expand as you learn.

Remember to water wisely and protect from frost. With consistent care, you’ll enjoy fresh vegetables through the winter months. Happy planting in your California garden this December.