December in Texas calls for vegetables that handle both cool nights and occasional warm spells. If you are looking for the best vegetables to plant in december in texas, you have come to the right place. Texas winters are unique—mild days can suddenly turn frosty, and soil temperatures vary widely from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast. This guide will help you choose crops that thrive in December conditions, so you can enjoy fresh produce even during the holiday season.
Planting in December might seem counterintuitive, but Texas gardeners know it is a prime time for cool-season vegetables. The key is selecting varieties that mature before the heat returns or that can withstand light frosts. Let’s break down what works best and how to plant them successfully.
Best Vegetables To Plant In December In Texas
When you think about December planting, focus on leafy greens, root vegetables, and hardy brassicas. These crops are naturally adapted to cooler weather and can handle the temperature swings Texas often throws at them. Here is a detailed look at the top choices.
Leafy Greens For December Planting
Leafy greens are the stars of the Texas winter garden. They grow quickly, tolerate light frost, and provide continuous harvests. Spinach, lettuce, and kale are excellent options.
- Spinach: Plant seeds directly in well-drained soil. Spinach germinates best when soil is between 50-65°F. It can survive temperatures down to 20°F if mulched.
- Lettuce: Choose loose-leaf varieties like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ or ‘Red Romaine’. These mature in 45-60 days and can be harvested leaf by leaf.
- Kale: This is one of the hardiest greens. ‘Lacinato’ or ‘Winterbor’ varieties actually taste sweeter after a frost. Plant seedlings 12 inches apart.
- Swiss Chard: Colorful and productive, chard grows well in cool weather. It tolerates both cold and occasional warm spells better than most greens.
For best results, plant these in raised beds or containers where you can control soil moisture. Water deeply but less frequently in December, as evaporation is slower. Add a layer of straw mulch to protect roots from sudden freezes.
Root Vegetables That Thrive In December
Root crops are another reliable choice for December planting in Texas. They develop slowly in cool soil, which concentrates their sugars and improves flavor. Carrots, beets, and radishes are top picks.
- Carrots: Sow seeds directly ½ inch deep. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart. ‘Danvers’ and ‘Nantes’ varieties perform well in Texas winter soil.
- Beets: Soak seeds overnight to speed germination. Plant 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart. ‘Detroit Dark Red’ is a classic choice.
- Radishes: These are the fastest crop—ready in 25-30 days. Plant ‘Cherry Belle’ or ‘French Breakfast’ for quick harvests.
- Turnips: Both roots and greens are edible. ‘Purple Top White Globe’ is a reliable variety. Plant seeds ½ inch deep.
- Onions: December is ideal for planting onion sets or transplants. ‘Texas SuperSweet’ or ‘1015Y’ are bred for our climate.
Root vegetables need loose, sandy soil to develop properly. If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding compost or planting in raised beds. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot.
Brassicas For Cool Weather Success
Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are cool-season staples that can be planted in December in Texas. They require a bit more space but reward you with large harvests.
- Broccoli: Set out transplants 18 inches apart. ‘Green Goliath’ or ‘Waltham 29’ are heat-tolerant options. Harvest the central head before flowers open.
- Cauliflower: This is trickier but doable. ‘Snow Crown’ is reliable. Blanch the head by tying outer leaves over it when it starts forming.
- Cabbage: ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ or ‘Red Acre’ are good choices. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Cabbage heads can handle light frosts.
- Brussels Sprouts: These take 90-120 days to mature, so plant transplants now for a spring harvest. They need consistent cool weather.
Brassicas are heavy feeders. Amend your soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting. Watch for cabbage worms and aphids, which can still be active in mild Decembers. Use row covers to protect young plants.
Herbs And Other Edibles
Don’t forget herbs and other vegetables that add flavor to winter meals. Cilantro, parsley, and garlic are excellent December choices.
- Cilantro: Plant seeds directly. It bolts quickly in warm weather, so December is perfect. Harvest leaves regularly to delay flowering.
- Parsley: Both flat-leaf and curly varieties grow well. Start from seed or transplants. It is biennial but often treated as an annual.
- Garlic: Plant individual cloves 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. ‘California Early’ or ‘Texas Rose’ are adapted to our climate. Harvest in late spring.
- Peas: Snow peas or sugar snap peas can be planted in December in South Texas. They need trellising and prefer cooler temperatures.
Herbs are low-maintenance and can be grown in containers near your kitchen. Garlic requires a cold period to form bulbs, so December planting is ideal. Peas are a fun addition but need protection from heavy frosts.
Planting Tips For December In Texas
Success with December planting depends on understanding your local microclimate. Texas spans multiple USDA hardiness zones, from 6b in the Panhandle to 9b in the Rio Grande Valley. Adjust your planting dates accordingly.
Soil Preparation And Temperature
Before planting, test your soil temperature. Most cool-season crops germinate best when soil is between 45-75°F. Use a soil thermometer to check. If soil is too cold, seeds may rot.
- Clear away summer debris and weeds.
- Add 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
- Work in a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at half strength.
- Rake the bed smooth and water it a day before planting.
Raised beds warm up faster in winter, so consider using them if you have heavy soil. Black plastic mulch can also help warm the soil by a few degrees.
Frost Protection Strategies
Texas winters are unpredictable. A warm week can be followed by a hard freeze. Protect your plants with these methods.
- Row Covers: Use floating row covers or old bedsheets. Drape them over hoops or directly on plants. Remove during warm days.
- Mulch: Apply 3-4 inches of straw or shredded leaves around plants. This insulates roots and retains moisture.
- Watering: Water deeply before a freeze. Wet soil holds more heat than dry soil. Do not let water sit on leaves overnight.
- Cold Frames: Build or buy a cold frame for tender crops. It can extend your season by weeks.
Pay attention to weather forecasts. If a hard freeze is predicted (below 28°F), harvest any mature vegetables and cover remaining plants. Most leafy greens and root crops can survive light frosts without protection.
Watering And Fertilizing In Winter
Plants grow slower in December, so they need less water and fertilizer. Overwatering can lead to root rot in cool soil. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when it feels dry.
Fertilize lightly every 3-4 weeks with a liquid seaweed or fish emulsion. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leafy growth at the expense of roots. For root vegetables, a phosphorus-rich fertilizer helps bulb development.
Regional Considerations For Texas
Texas is huge, and December weather varies dramatically. Here is how to adapt your planting based on your region.
North Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth, Amarillo)
North Texas experiences colder winters with frequent freezes. Plant hardy crops like kale, spinach, and carrots. Use cold frames or row covers for protection. Avoid planting tender crops like peas or lettuce until late February.
Soil temperatures in December can drop below 40°F, so consider using transplants instead of seeds for faster establishment. Mulch heavily to protect roots.
Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio)
Central Texas has milder winters with occasional freezes. December is ideal for planting broccoli, cabbage, and onions. You can also plant lettuce and radishes for quick harvests.
Watch for warm spells that can cause bolting in leafy greens. Plant in partial shade if possible. Use drip irrigation to avoid wetting foliage.
South Texas (Houston, Corpus Christi, Rio Grande Valley)
South Texas rarely sees hard freezes. December is a prime planting month for almost all cool-season crops. You can plant peas, beans, and even some warm-season crops like tomatoes if you use frost protection.
Soil temperatures remain above 50°F, so seeds germinate quickly. However, watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars that thrive in mild weather. Use insecticidal soap if needed.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make errors in December. Here are pitfalls to sidestep.
- Planting Too Late: Some crops need 60-90 days to mature before heat returns. Check days to maturity on seed packets.
- Overwatering: Cool soil holds moisture longer. Water only when the top inch is dry.
- Ignoring Frost Dates: Know your average first and last frost dates. Plant accordingly.
- Using Wrong Varieties: Not all vegetables are bred for winter. Look for “cold-tolerant” or “winter” varieties.
- Skipping Soil Prep: Poor soil leads to weak plants. Always amend with compost before planting.
Take notes on what works in your garden each year. December planting is a learning process, and conditions change annually.
Harvesting And Enjoying Your December Garden
One of the joys of December planting is harvesting fresh vegetables during the holidays. Leafy greens can be picked as needed. Root vegetables can be left in the ground until you are ready to use them.
For continuous harvests, plant in succession every 2-3 weeks. This ensures a steady supply rather than a glut. Store excess vegetables in a cool, dark place or share with neighbors.
Winter vegetables often taste sweeter than summer crops due to higher sugar content. Use them in soups, roasts, and salads. They pair well with hearty winter meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I plant tomatoes in December in Texas?
Tomatoes are warm-season crops and generally not recommended for December planting in most of Texas. However, in South Texas, you might try with frost protection. Stick to cool-season vegetables for best results.
2. What are the best vegetables to plant in December in Texas for beginners?
Radishes, lettuce, and spinach are easiest for beginners. They germinate quickly and require minimal care. Onions and garlic are also low-maintenance.
3. How do I protect my December garden from a freeze?
Use row covers, mulch, and water deeply before a freeze. Harvest tender vegetables beforehand. Cold frames provide extra protection for sensitive crops.
4. Should I use seeds or transplants for December planting?
Seeds work well for fast-growing crops like radishes and lettuce. Transplants are better for slower crops like broccoli and cabbage. Consider your local frost dates.
5. Can I plant vegetables in December in Texas if I live in an apartment?
Yes, many cool-season vegetables grow well in containers. Use pots at least 12 inches deep for root crops. Place them in a sunny spot and protect from wind.
December gardening in Texas is rewarding with the right choices. Focus on leafy greens, root vegetables, and hardy brassicas. Adjust for your region and protect from frost. With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh vegetables all winter long.