December is an ideal time to plant in Texas. With cooler temperatures and plenty of rain, the soil is ready for successful planting. There is a variety of plants that thrive in the mild winter climate of Texas, including perennial flowers, shrubs, trees, and vegetables. This guide will provide you with information on what to plant in December in Texas to ensure a thriving garden.In Texas, December is a great time to plant cool season vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, lettuce, kale, and spinach. To add some color to the garden beds, try planting sweet peas, violas, and pansies. Shrubs and trees that do well in December in Texas include Camellia japonica, Winter Daphne (Daphne odora), and Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’).
Vegetables to Plant in December in Texas
December is the perfect time to plant a variety of vegetables in Texas. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, you can get a head start on your garden with some cold-weather crops. Broccoli, carrots, kale, lettuce, peas, spinach, and turnips are all great choices for December planting.
Broccoli is an excellent cold-weather vegetable to plant in December. It grows best with cool temperatures and plenty of water. Plant it from seed or starter plants in full sun for the best results. You can harvest broccoli heads when they are still small and tender or wait until they are fully mature.
Carrots are also great for planting in December. They prefer light soil with plenty of organic matter and should be planted in full sun. Plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and water them regularly until they germinate. Carrots take a few weeks to mature so you can expect to have a harvest by mid-January or February depending on the variety you choose.
Kale is another excellent choice for December planting in Texas. It prefers cool weather and does best with regular watering and fertilizer applications throughout its growing season. Plant kale from seed or starter plants about 2 inches apart for optimal results. It takes between 4-6 weeks for kale to reach maturity so you can expect a harvest by mid-January or February as well.
Lettuce is one of the quickest vegetables to grow from seed so it’s perfect for December planting in Texas. Plant it directly into the ground or into pots and containers for easy harvesting later on. Lettuce prefers cool temperatures and partial shade so be sure to place it away from direct sunlight during hot days to avoid wilting or bolting (going to seed).
Peas are another cool-weather crop that do well when planted in December in Texas. Plant them directly into the ground about 2 inches apart and keep them well watered during their growing season for best results. Peas will take between 6-8 weeks before they are ready for harvesting so you can expect a harvest by mid-February at the latest if planted early enough in December.
Spinach is an extremely hardy vegetable that does well when planted during cooler months such as December in Texas. It prefers loose soil with plenty of organic matter mixed into it and should be planted 1/2 inch deep directly into the ground or containers/pots if desired later on.
Finally, turnips are an excellent choice for planting during cooler winter months such as December in Texas as well! They prefer loose soil with plenty of organic matter mixed into it like spinach but should be planted 1 inch deep instead of 1/2 inch deep like spinach seeds would be planted at.
Overall, there are many vegetables that thrive when planted during the colder winter months such as broccoli, carrots, kale, lettuce, peas, spinach, and turnips! Be sure to choose varieties that will do best in your region’s climate conditions and provide them with ample amounts of sunlight, water, fertilizer applications throughout their growing season for optimal success!
Herbs to Plant in December in Texas
Texas is a warm and sunny state, perfect for growing a variety of herbs. December is an ideal time to plant some of these herbs so they can be enjoyed all year round. Herbs such as cilantro, dill, chives, parsley, oregano, and basil are all great candidates for planting in December in Texas.
Cilantro is a fast-growing herb that adds flavor to many dishes. It’s also great for making salsa and other sauces. Dill is another popular herb that can be planted in December in Texas. It has a unique flavor that works well with fish and salads. Chives are a mild onion-flavored herb that adds color and flavor to dishes. Parsley is a flavorful herb that can also be used as an ornamental plant. Oregano is an aromatic herb with a strong flavor that goes well with Italian dishes. Finally, basil is an essential ingredient for making pesto sauce and adding flavor to salads and other dishes.
Growing herbs in December in Texas can provide delicious flavors all year round. Whether you’re looking to spice up your cooking or add some color to your garden, these herbs are sure to bring plenty of joy! Planting them now will give them plenty of time to grow before the hot summer months come around again. With the right care and attention, you’ll have fresh herbs ready for harvest any time the mood strikes!
Annuals to Plant in December in Texas
December is an ideal time to plant annuals in Texas. Annuals are plants that live for one growing season before they die, so planting them in December ensures that they will have plenty of time to grow and bloom before the end of the season. Annuals come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so it’s easy to find something that will fit any garden. Some popular annuals to plant in December include cosmos, marigolds, petunias, zinnias, and verbena.
Cosmos are tall plants with feathery foliage and bright flowers that look like daisies. They come in a range of colors from white to pink and purple. Cosmos can reach heights of up to five feet and require full sun for best results.
Marigolds are cheery flowers with bright yellow or orange petals. They are very easy to grow from seed or transplants and can be used as both border plants as well as bedding plants. Marigolds prefer full sun but can also tolerate some shade.
Petunias are an old-fashioned favorite that is still popular today. The plants have trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a range of colors from white to red or purple. Petunias need full sun for best growth and should be planted in well-draining soil.
Zinnias are cheerful flowers that come in a range of colors including yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Zinnias prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade as well as dry conditions once established. They can reach heights of up to four feet tall when given enough care and attention.
Verbena is an old-fashioned favorite with small clusters of tiny flowers on long stems that look like stars or fireworks when they bloom en masse. Verbena comes in shades of pink, red, purple, blue and white and prefers full sun for best growth. It’s a great choice for hanging baskets or container gardens where its trailing stems can spill over the sides of the pot for a dramatic effect.
No matter what type of garden you have or what type of look you’re going for there’s an annual out there for you! Planting annuals in December gives them plenty of time to get established before the summer heat arrives making sure your garden is colorful all season long!
Perennials to Plant in December in Texas
December is a great time to plant perennials in Texas. Perennials are plants that come back year after year and provide color and interest to your garden or landscape. There are many types of perennials that can be planted in December, including annuals, biennials, and bulbs. Popular choices for December planting include daisies, lilies, daylilies, sunflowers, foxgloves, poppies, black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, and coreopsis.
When selecting perennials for planting in December in Texas it is important to consider the soil type and climate of the area you are planting in. Some perennials are suited to dry climates while others prefer moist soils. It is also important to consider the amount of sunlight each plant will receive as some require full sun while others may do better with partial shade.
In addition to selecting the right type of plants for your area it is also important to prepare the soil before planting. This includes removing any weeds or debris that may be present and tilling the soil to a depth of about six inches. Adding organic matter such as compost or manure will help improve drainage and add nutrients to the soil. It is also important to water your plants regularly during their first year so they become established before winter weather arrives.
There are many benefits to planting perennials in December in Texas including providing color and interest throughout all four seasons of the year. Perennials also attract pollinators such as birds and butterflies which can help create a vibrant ecosystem in your garden or landscape. Additionally, these plants are relatively low maintenance once they have become established making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners or those who want beauty without a lot of work!
Trees and Shrubs to Plant in December in Texas
December is a great time to plant trees and shrubs in Texas. With cooler temperatures and enough rain, the soil is perfect for planting. While winter is generally seen as a time of dormancy, this is actually the best season for planting trees and shrubs since the roots have time to settle in before spring arrives. There are many different types of trees and shrubs that will do well in Texas’s mild climate. Here are some of the best choices:
The Crape Myrtle is a popular choice, with its showy flowers that bloom from June to September. It can grow up to 20 feet tall with a spread of 20 feet. This tree does well in full sun or partial shade and is drought-tolerant when established.
The Texas Mountain Laurel is an evergreen that blooms with fragrant purple flowers from March through May. This heat-tolerant shrub can reach heights of up to 15 feet with an equal spread. It prefers full sun but will do well in part shade as well.
Another great choice for Texas landscapes is the Mexican Plum Tree, which has showy white flowers that bloom from March through May and purple fruit that appears from June through August. This tree grows up to 30 feet tall with an equal spread and does best in full sun or partial shade conditions. It also has excellent drought tolerance once established.
Finally, the Pecan Tree is another great option for Texas gardens. This deciduous tree produces edible nuts that ripen from September through October and grows up to 70 feet tall with an equal spread. It prefers full sun conditions but will tolerate some shade as well.
Bulbs and Corms to Plant In December In Texas
December is the perfect time to plant bulbs and corms in Texas. Bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths all thrive in the mild temperatures of Texas. Corms such as Freesia, Crocosmia, and Gladiolus are also excellent choices for planting in December.
When planting bulbs and corms in December in Texas, it is important to make sure they are planted at the proper depth. Bulbs should be planted approximately two-to-three times their own height. For example, a two-inch bulb should be planted four-to-six inches deep. Corms should be planted at a depth of three-to-four inches deep.
Once planted, bulbs and corms will need to be watered regularly throughout the winter season. During this time they should receive an inch of water each week or enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. It is also important to mulch around the plants to protect them from extreme temperatures and keep moisture from evaporating too quickly from the soil.
In order for bulbs and corms to thrive during winter months in Texas, they will need plenty of sunlight. A location with at least six hours of direct sunshine each day is best for these plants during winter months. If there isn’t enough sun available in one area, bulbs can be moved or rotated throughout the season for better results.
If you’re looking for a way to add some color to your garden during winter months in Texas, planting bulbs and corms is an excellent choice! With just a little bit of care and attention they will provide beautiful blooms throughout the winter season!
Wildflowers to Plant In December In Texas
December in Texas brings cooler temperatures that are perfect for planting wildflowers. With the right care and attention, you can have a beautiful display of wildflowers come springtime. There are many types of wildflowers that you can plant in December in Texas, including annuals and perennials. Annuals such as California poppy, corn poppy, and cornflower are easy to grow and will provide beautiful color throughout the year. Perennials such as Indian blanket, larkspur, and black-eyed Susan can be planted in December for a long-lasting display of color.
When planting wildflowers in December it is important to choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. You should also make sure the soil is free of weeds or other vegetation that could compete with your wildflower plants for nutrients. After your soil is prepared, you can begin planting your chosen wildflower seeds or plants. Planting seeds is the easiest way to get started with wildflower gardening since they require less maintenance than plants that are purchased from a nursery or garden center.
It is also important to water your wildflower plants regularly during the winter months. This will help them establish good root systems so they can thrive when warmer weather arrives. You should also keep an eye on your plants for any signs of disease or pests so they can be treated promptly if necessary. With a little care and attention, you can have a beautiful array of colorful blooms come springtime!
Conclusion
In conclusion, when planting in December in Texas, you have many options to consider. You can plant cool season vegetables like broccoli, spinach and cauliflower or flowers such as pansies, snapdragons and petunias. If you choose to plant trees or shrubs, your best bets are those that are native to the region such as live oak and cedar elm. When planting in December in Texas, be sure to take into account your zone and climate. Planting at the right time of year for your particular area will help ensure success.
No matter what you decide to plant in December in Texas, be sure to take the necessary steps to ensure a healthy start for your plants. This includes selecting an appropriate site with adequate sunlight and soil drainage, preparing the soil properly before planting, watering regularly and providing other care as needed throughout the year. With careful planning and maintenance you can enjoy a beautiful garden throughout the winter months.
