I’ll let you in on a little secret—December is one of my favorite months to garden here in Florida. While much of the country is bundled up indoors, I’m out in my yard, sleeves rolled up, surrounded by fresh herbs, leafy greens, and the gentle hum of bees still lingering on the warmer afternoons. Believe me, gardening in December down here feels like having a head start on spring.
Now, I know every gardener’s heart beats to a different rhythm. Some of us crave bold color bursts from winter blooms, while others prefer the crisp taste of fresh lettuce or the soothing scent of herbs right by the porch. I’ve met gardeners who swear by ornamentals for beauty and others who can’t imagine a winter without a patch of juicy tomatoes (yes, you can still grow them here!).
Personally, I started this journey because Florida’s year-round growing season fascinated me. I grew up thinking winter meant a break from gardening, but once I dug my hands into this sandy soil, I realized—our “winter” is prime time for planting!
So in this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what to plant in December in Florida, from vegetables and herbs to flowers that thrive in the cool, mild sunshine. I’ll share my own trials, mistakes, and little wins, so by the end, you’ll feel confident about your December planting list—no matter if you’re in North, Central, or South Florida.
🌼 Quick Reference Table: What to Plant in December in Florida
| Plant Name | Best Region (North/Central/South FL) | Type | Height / Spread | Best Feature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce (Romaine, Leaf) | All regions | Vegetable | 6–12 in | Crisp, easy to grow | Prefers cooler days |
| Broccoli | North & Central | Vegetable | 1.5–2 ft | Nutritious, reliable | Watch for worms early on |
| Tomatoes (Winter Varieties) | Central & South | Fruit/Vegetable | 2–6 ft | Continuous harvest | Needs full sun |
| Cilantro | All regions | Herb | 12–18 in | Aromatic leaves | Loves cool weather |
| Snapdragons | All regions | Flower | 1–3 ft | Bright, cheerful blooms | Great for borders |
| Petunias | Central & South | Flower | 6–12 in | Long-lasting color | Low maintenance |
| Beets | All regions | Root Vegetable | Up to 12 in | Vibrant color, edible greens | Harvest at 2 inches diameter |
| Carrots | All regions | Root Vegetable | 6–12 in deep | Sweet, crisp roots | Loose soil is key |
| Swiss Chard | All regions | Leafy Green | 1–2 ft | Colorful stems | Cut-and-come-again |
| Parsley | All regions | Herb | 1 ft | Hardy and fragrant | Companion for veggies |
| Calendula (Pot Marigold) | All regions | Flower | 12–24 in | Edible petals | Cool-weather bloom |
| Strawberries | North & Central | Fruit | Low ground cover | Sweet berries by March | Mulch well against cold |
🥬 1. Lettuce – A Simple, Satisfying Winter Classic
If you’ve never grown lettuce in Florida, December is your time to shine. I always plant a mix of romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf varieties right after Thanksgiving. The cool air keeps them crisp and tender, and you’ll be amazed how fast they grow—sometimes ready for harvest in as little as 30 days!
A quick tip from my garden: I scatter seeds thickly, then thin out the seedlings by harvesting baby leaves for salads. It’s the easiest “cut-and-come-again” crop you can grow. In South Florida, give them a bit of shade cloth to prevent early bolting if we get a hot spell.
👉 Related: How to Grow Leafy Greens Year-Round in Florida
🥦 2. Broccoli – My Reliable Cold-Season Performer
I’ll be honest—broccoli was one of the first vegetables that made me feel like a “real” gardener. It takes patience, but once those tight green heads start forming, you’ll feel proud. December is perfect for planting transplants in North and Central Florida because they adore cool weather and short days.
A word of advice: keep an eye out for cabbage worms. I’ve learned to inspect the undersides of leaves every few days and use neem oil or Bt if needed. Broccoli thrives in well-drained soil and regular watering but doesn’t like soggy roots.
🍅 3. Winter Tomatoes – Yes, They’re Possible!
You read that right—tomatoes in December! In Central and South Florida, this is our golden season for winter tomatoes. I plant compact, fast-producing varieties like ‘Solar Fire’ and ‘Florida 91’—they’re bred to handle our warm days and mild nights.
Here’s my secret: I always stake or cage them early, before they sprawl. And believe me, feeding them with a light, balanced fertilizer every two weeks keeps the harvest steady and sweet. If you’ve ever wanted to test your green thumb during winter, try this—it’s so rewarding to pluck fresh tomatoes while everyone else up north is scraping frost off their cars!
👉 Related: Best Tomato Varieties for Florida’s Unique Climate
🌿 4. Cilantro – My Go-To Winter Herb
Few things make me happier than stepping outside and snipping a handful of fresh cilantro for salsa or soup. December’s cool nights make cilantro thrive—it bolts quickly in the heat, so this is the time to grow it lush and green.
I usually scatter seeds every two weeks for a steady supply. The trick is not to crowd them; cilantro needs good airflow. And when the plants eventually flower, don’t pull them out! Let them go to seed and you’ll get coriander spice later on.
🌸 5. Snapdragons – The Cheerful Winter Bloomers
Nothing lifts my mood like the sight of snapdragons dancing in the December breeze. I love using them as border plants around my vegetable beds because their tall, colorful spikes attract pollinators while brightening up the garden.
If you’ve got kids, they’ll love “snapping” the blooms open—trust me, it’s adorable. Snapdragons are happiest with full sun and regular watering but don’t need much pampering. I deadhead spent blooms weekly, and they reward me with waves of new flowers well into spring.
🌼 6. Petunias – Low Effort, Big Reward
Petunias are one of my “set it and forget it” winter flowers. Every December, I fill hanging baskets and pots with them. Their pastel blooms soften the yard’s look and last for months in South and Central Florida.
My tip: pinch them back after the first bloom flush. This simple step keeps them bushy and loaded with color. Petunias love sunshine and good drainage—too much water, and you’ll get leggy plants.
👉 Related: Winter Flowers That Bloom All Season in Florida
🥕 7. Carrots – Sweet, Crunchy, and Surprisingly Easy
If you’ve got sandy soil, carrots are your new best friend. I plant them directly in the ground in December, loosening the top 10 inches of soil first. Fine-textured varieties like ‘Nantes’ or ‘Danvers Half Long’ do best in Florida.
Here’s something I learned the hard way: don’t fertilize too heavily before sowing, or you’ll get forked, hairy roots. Carrots prefer even moisture and patience—once you pull your first sweet, orange root, you’ll understand why I never skip this crop.
🥬 8. Swiss Chard – The Unsung Hero of Winter Greens
I’ll admit, I used to overlook Swiss chard—until I realized how versatile it is. It’s stunning in the garden with its neon stems (red, gold, even pink!) and keeps producing for months. In December, I plant it everywhere: raised beds, pots, even along walkways for a pop of color.
It’s a true “cut-and-come-again” vegetable. I pick the outer leaves as needed and let the inner ones keep growing. Plus, it’s heat-tolerant enough to last well into spring, especially in South Florida.
🌾 9. Beets – Double Duty Beauty
Beets are one of those crops that do double duty—the roots are sweet and earthy, and the greens are delicious sautéed or in salads. I sow them in clusters and thin them once the seedlings are a few inches tall. The ones I pull out go straight into dinner!
They love consistent moisture, and I mulch lightly to keep the soil cool. In North Florida, you can plant them right through December without issue. South gardeners—choose a partially shaded spot to keep them tender.
🌿 10. Parsley – A Hardy, Underrated Herb
Parsley might seem simple, but it’s one of my garden’s quiet stars. I tuck it around flower beds and vegetable rows, and it just keeps on growing. It’s more resilient than basil or mint in cooler months, making December ideal for planting.
My trick? Snip often to encourage new growth, and never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. I also companion plant parsley with tomatoes and carrots—it repels pests naturally and keeps the garden ecosystem healthy.
🌻 11. Calendula – Sunshine in Petal Form
Every time I plant calendula, I feel like I’ve bottled a bit of sunshine. Its golden blooms light up the winter beds and even serve a purpose—they’re edible and attract pollinators!
Calendula loves cool weather, so December is prime time. I start seeds directly in the soil, and within weeks, my garden looks like a watercolor painting. The petals can be used in teas, salads, or even homemade salves if you’re into herbal remedies.
👉 Related: Best Edible Flowers to Grow in Florida Winters
🍓 12. Strawberries – Sweet Rewards for Early Risers
Here in North and Central Florida, December marks the start of strawberry season! I still remember my first patch—I planted ‘Sweet Charlie’ and ‘Festival’ varieties, and by February, I was picking sun-warmed berries for breakfast.
Mulching is essential—pine straw or hay helps protect the shallow roots and keeps fruits clean. Morning watering is best to avoid fungal issues. I plant them in raised rows, and honestly, watching them bloom and fruit is pure joy through the winter.
🌤️ Helpful Notes & Expert Advice for December Planting in Florida
1. Know Your Region
Florida’s climate varies more than people think.
- North Florida (Pensacola, Jacksonville): Cool nights, occasional frost. Focus on hardy greens, roots, and cold-tolerant flowers.
- Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa): Mild, ideal for both winter veggies and flowers.
- South Florida (Miami, Naples): Subtropical! Perfect for tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and warm-weather ornamentals.
2. Watch the Weather
Even though December is mild, a surprise cold front can nip tender plants. I keep frost cloth handy for sensitive crops like tomatoes or basil.
3. Feed and Water Smartly
Cooler weather means slower evaporation. I reduce watering frequency but ensure deep, consistent moisture. A light application of compost or slow-release fertilizer keeps growth steady.
4. Rotate and Companion Plant
December is a great time to reset your garden beds. Rotate crops to avoid nutrient depletion, and use companion plants—like parsley near carrots or marigolds near tomatoes—to deter pests naturally.
5. Don’t Forget Mulch
A 2-inch layer of organic mulch keeps soil temperatures stable, discourages weeds, and adds nutrients as it breaks down. It’s a simple, powerful habit that improves every garden bed.
🌺 Final Thoughts: Let’s Make December Bloom in Florida
I often say that Florida gardeners are blessed with an “endless spring.” December might bring cooler air and shorter days, but our soil is still alive, our sun is still warm, and our gardens are still growing. Whether you’re planting your first pot of lettuce or filling a bed with vibrant petunias, this month is all about renewal and quiet joy.
Honestly, there’s something magical about tending plants when the rest of the world feels asleep. Each sprouting seed, each tiny bloom, feels like a personal victory—and a reminder of Florida’s unique rhythm.
So, if you’ve been wondering what to plant in December in Florida, I hope this guide helps you roll up your sleeves and dive in. Start small, stay curious, and keep growing—because the garden never really stops here.
💚 Happy planting, friends!
If you enjoyed this guide, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for monthly Florida planting tips, seasonal updates, and more hands-on stories from my garden to yours.