Florida’s December sunshine is perfect for vegetables that require warmth and consistent sunlight to grow. If you are wondering about the best vegetables to plant in december in florida, you have come to the right place. December in Florida is not like the rest of the country. While others are shoveling snow, you can be harvesting fresh greens and root crops. The key is knowing what thrives in your specific region of the state. North Florida gets cooler nights, while South Florida stays warm and humid. Central Florida sits in a sweet spot. This guide covers the top picks for every zone.
Best Vegetables To Plant In December In Florida
December planting in Florida is all about cool-season crops. These vegetables love the mild days and chilly nights. They also grow fast, so you can enjoy harvests before the heat returns in spring. Below is a breakdown of the most reliable options. Each one is chosen for its ability to handle Florida’s unique winter conditions.
Leafy Greens For Quick Harvests
Leafy greens are the easiest vegetables to grow in December. They germinate quickly and tolerate light frost. You can start picking leaves in as little as 30 days. Here are the best choices:
- Lettuce: Romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf varieties all do well. Plant seeds directly in the ground or in containers. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Spinach: Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ or ‘Space’. Spinach bolts when it gets too warm, so December is ideal.
- Kale: This superfood thrives in cool weather. ‘Lacinato’ and ‘Red Russian’ are top picks. Frost actually makes the leaves sweeter.
- Swiss Chard: Colorful and hardy. It can handle light freezes and keeps producing for months.
- Arugula: Spicy and fast-growing. Harvest baby leaves in 3 weeks for salads.
Plant these in full sun or partial shade. In South Florida, afternoon shade helps prevent bolting. Use raised beds if your soil is sandy. Add compost to retain moisture. Water in the morning to avoid fungal issues. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart for bigger leaves.
Root Vegetables That Love Cool Soil
Root crops need consistent moisture and loose soil. December’s cooler temperatures help them develop sweet, tender roots. Avoid heavy clay soils. If your ground is hard, grow them in containers or raised beds.
- Carrots: Short varieties like ‘Paris Market’ or ‘Nantes’ work best in Florida’s sandy soil. Long carrots can get stunted. Sow seeds shallowly and keep moist.
- Radishes: The fastest root crop. ‘Cherry Belle’ is ready in 25 days. Plant a new batch every two weeks for continuous harvest.
- Beets: Both roots and greens are edible. ‘Detroit Dark Red’ is a reliable choice. Soak seeds overnight to speed germination.
- Turnips: ‘Purple Top White Globe’ is classic. Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches wide for best flavor.
- Potatoes: In South and Central Florida, plant seed potatoes in December. Use ‘Red La Soda’ or ‘Yukon Gold’. In North Florida, wait until January.
Prepare beds by removing rocks and debris. Mix in a balanced fertilizer before planting. Mulch around seedlings to keep soil cool. Water deeply once a week. Thin carrots to 2 inches apart. Beets need 4 inches of space.
Brassicas For Big Yields
The cabbage family loves Florida winters. These plants take a bit longer to mature, but they produce heavily. Start with transplants for a head start. Seeds also work if you plant early in December.
- Broccoli: ‘Green Magic’ and ‘Arcadia’ handle heat better than others. Harvest the main head, then side shoots will follow.
- Cauliflower: ‘Snow Crown’ is reliable. Blanch heads by tying leaves over them when they start forming.
- Cabbage: ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ is compact and fast. Space plants 18 inches apart.
- Brussels Sprouts: A long-season crop. Start in December for spring harvest. ‘Long Island Improved’ is a good choice.
- Collards: Very heat-tolerant and easy. ‘Georgia Southern’ is a Southern staple.
Brassicas need rich soil. Add compost and a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer. Watch for cabbage worms. Use row covers or spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Harvest leaves from the bottom up for collards and kale.
Legumes For Soil Health
Peas and beans fix nitrogen in the soil. They are perfect for December planting in Florida. They grow quickly and produce well in cool weather. Choose bush varieties for faster harvests.
- Snow Peas: ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’ is stringless and sweet. Eat the whole pod.
- Snap Peas: ‘Sugar Ann’ is a compact bush type. No trellis needed.
- English Peas: ‘Wando’ is heat-tolerant. Shell them for fresh eating.
- Fava Beans: Not a true bean, but great for cool weather. They improve soil structure.
Plant peas directly in the ground. Soak seeds overnight to speed germination. Provide a trellis for climbing varieties. Water regularly, especially when flowers appear. Pick pods often to encourage more production.
Alliums For Flavor
Onions, garlic, and leeks are long-season crops. December is the perfect time to plant them in Florida. They need cool weather to develop bulbs. Harvest happens in late spring.
- Onions: Plant short-day varieties like ‘Texas Grano’ or ‘Granex’. Sets or transplants work best. Space 4 inches apart.
- Garlic: Softneck types like ‘California Early’ do well in Florida. Plant individual cloves pointy side up.
- Leeks: ‘American Flag’ is a classic. Bury them deep for long white shafts.
- Shallots: Easy to grow. Plant bulbs 6 inches apart.
Alliums need full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering. Mulch to suppress weeds. Fertilize monthly with a balanced mix. Stop watering when tops start to yellow for onions and garlic.
Herbs That Thrive In December
Herbs are not vegetables, but they deserve a spot in your garden. They grow well alongside vegetables and add fresh flavor to meals. December is a great time to plant these.
- Cilantro: Prefers cool weather. Plant seeds every two weeks for a steady supply.
- Dill: Attracts beneficial insects. Use fresh or let it go to seed.
- Parsley: Flat-leaf and curly types both grow well. Soak seeds before planting.
- Chives: Perennial in Florida. Divide existing clumps or plant seeds.
- Mint: Invasive but easy. Grow in containers to control spread.
Herbs need less fertilizer than vegetables. Plant them near pathways for easy access. Pinch back regularly to encourage bushy growth. Most herbs tolerate light frost without damage.
Regional Considerations For Florida
Florida is divided into three growing zones: North, Central, and South. December planting varies by region. Here is what you need to know for each area.
North Florida (Panhandle And North Of Ocala)
North Florida gets real winter. Frost and light freezes are common in December. Protect tender plants with row covers. Focus on cold-hardy crops like kale, collards, and carrots. Plant onions and garlic now. Wait until January for tomatoes and peppers. Use raised beds to improve drainage. Soil temperatures can drop below 60°F, so use black plastic to warm the soil.
Central Florida (Orlando To Tampa)
Central Florida has mild winters. Frost is possible but rare. You can grow almost all cool-season crops. December is perfect for broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce. Plant peas and beans for early spring harvest. Watch for aphids and caterpillars. Water less frequently than in summer. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool.
South Florida (Miami To Fort Myers)
South Florida stays warm year-round. December is actually one of the best months. You can grow warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers alongside cool-season ones. Plant beans, cucumbers, and squash now. Avoid crops that need long cold periods like Brussels sprouts. Use shade cloth for afternoon sun. Watch for powdery mildew in humid areas.
Soil Preparation Tips For December
Good soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Florida soil is often sandy or alkaline. Here is how to prepare it for December planting.
- Test your soil pH. Most vegetables prefer 6.0-6.8. Add lime if too acidic.
- Add organic matter. Compost, aged manure, or peat moss improves water retention.
- Remove weeds and debris. They harbor pests and diseases.
- Mix in a balanced fertilizer. Use 10-10-10 or a vegetable-specific blend.
- Create raised beds if drainage is poor. They warm up faster in winter.
- Water the bed thoroughly a day before planting.
In sandy soils, add vermiculite or coconut coir. In clay soils, add gypsum to break up compaction. Mulch after planting to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Replenish mulch as needed throughout the season.
Watering And Fertilizing Schedule
December in Florida can be dry. Vegetables need consistent moisture to grow well. Here is a simple schedule to follow.
- Water deeply once or twice a week. Morning is best to reduce evaporation.
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Overhead watering can cause fungal diseases.
- Check soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches deep. If dry, water.
- Fertilize every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer. Fish emulsion or seaweed works well.
- Side-dress heavy feeders like broccoli and cabbage with compost mid-season.
- Stop fertilizing root crops a month before harvest to prevent forking.
Adjust watering based on rainfall. Florida can get sudden downpours even in winter. If you get heavy rain, skip watering for a few days. Overwatering leads to root rot and nutrient leaching.
Pest And Disease Management
Winter pests are less aggressive than summer ones, but they still appear. Here are common issues and solutions.
- Aphids: Spray with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Cabbage worms: Handpick or use Bt spray. Row covers prevent them.
- Slugs and snails: Set out beer traps or use diatomaceous earth.
- Whiteflies: Yellow sticky traps work well. Neem oil also helps.
- Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering.
- Damping off: Use sterile potting mix for seedlings. Avoid overwatering.
Rotate crops each season to prevent soil-borne diseases. Remove infected plants immediately. Companion planting with marigolds and basil repels many pests. Keep the garden clean and free of debris.
Harvesting Tips For December Vegetables
Knowing when to harvest ensures the best flavor and texture. Here are guidelines for each crop type.
- Leafy greens: Harvest outer leaves when they are 4-6 inches tall. Leave the center to keep growing.
- Root crops: Pull carrots and radishes when they are finger-sized. Beets are ready when 2 inches wide.
- Brassicas: Cut broccoli heads when tight and dark green. Harvest cauliflower when heads are smooth.
- Peas: Pick pods when they are plump but before seeds get hard. Snow peas are best when flat.
- Onions and garlic: Harvest when tops fall over and turn brown. Cure in a dry, shaded spot.
Harvest in the morning when vegetables are crisp. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging plants. Store in the refrigerator immediately. Most vegetables last 1-2 weeks when stored properly.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes. Here are pitfalls to watch out for in December.
- Planting too late. December is the last month for many cool-season crops. Start seeds early.
- Overcrowding. Follow spacing guidelines. Crowded plants compete for nutrients and water.
- Ignoring frost warnings. Cover tender plants with blankets or row covers.
- Overfertilizing. Too much nitrogen leads to lush leaves but poor roots.
- Underwatering. December can be dry. Check soil moisture regularly.
- Planting the wrong varieties. Choose short-day onions and heat-tolerant greens.
Learn from each season. Keep a garden journal to track what works. Adjust your planting schedule based on weather patterns. Florida’s climate is unique, so local knowledge is invaluable.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
Succession planting keeps your garden productive all winter. Instead of planting everything at once, stagger your plantings. Here is how to do it.
- Plant a new batch of radishes every two weeks. They mature in 25 days.
- Sow lettuce seeds every 10 days for a steady supply of leaves.
- Replace harvested crops with new ones. For example, follow radishes with carrots.
- Use transplants for slow-growing crops like broccoli. Start seeds indoors.
- Plant fast and slow crops together. For instance, radishes between broccoli plants.
This method maximizes space and extends your harvest. It also reduces pest pressure because plants are at different stages. Keep a calendar to track planting dates.
Container Gardening Options
Not everyone has a large garden. Containers work great for December vegetables. Here are the best options for pots.
- Lettuce: Use wide, shallow pots. Harvest leaves as needed.
- Radishes: Small containers work. They need only 4 inches of depth.
- Spinach: Deep pots with good drainage. Keep soil moist.
- Kale: Large pots for big plants. Dwarf varieties are available.
- Herbs: Mix several in one container. Place near the kitchen door.
Use high-quality potting mix. Add slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Water more frequently than in-ground gardens. Containers dry out faster in winter sun. Move pots to sheltered areas during cold snaps.
Final Thoughts On December Planting
December is a productive month for Florida gardeners. With the right choices, you can enjoy fresh vegetables all winter. Focus on cool-season crops like leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas. Prepare your soil well and water consistently. Watch for pests and harvest at the right time. Each region of Florida has its own quirks, so adapt your approach accordingly. Happy gardening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Vegetables Can I Plant In December In Florida?
You can plant leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale. Root crops like carrots, radishes, and beets also do well. Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are great choices. Peas and onions are also suitable for December planting.
Can I Grow Tomatoes In December In Florida?
In South Florida, yes. In Central and North Florida, it is risky due to cold nights. Use transplants and protect them with row covers. Choose cold-tolerant varieties like ‘Celebrity’ or ‘Early Girl’.
Do I Need To Fertilize Vegetables In December?
Yes, but less than in summer. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. Liquid fertilizers work well. Avoid overfertilizing root crops. Compost is a good slow-release option.
How Often Should I Water Vegetables In December?
Water deeply once or twice a week. Check soil moisture regularly. December can be dry, so do not rely on rain. Use drip irrigation for best results. Morning watering reduces disease risk.
What Is The Easiest Vegetable To Grow In December In Florida?
Radishes are the easiest. They germinate in 3 days and are ready in 25 days. Lettuce is also very easy. Both tolerate light frost and grow well in containers. They are perfect for beginners.