December in Arizona can be a great time to plant a wide variety of plants that will flourish in the state’s mild winter weather. From vegetables to flowers, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With the right preparation and care, you can add a bit of color and life to your garden and outdoor spaces. Here are some suggestions for what to plant in December in Arizona.In Arizona, December is a great time to plant many types of vegetables. Some of the vegetables that do well in Arizona’s climate during December are kale, lettuce, radishes, carrots, cauliflower, onions, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. Other vegetables such as beets, spinach, and Swiss chard can also be planted during this season.
Herbs to Plant in December in Arizona
December is a great time to plant herbs in Arizona due to its mild winter climate. The soil temperature is perfect for planting and the cooler weather makes it easier for herbs to get established in their new home. Some of the best herbs to plant in December in Arizona include rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, lavender, chives, and basil. All of these herbs are relatively easy to grow and can be found in nurseries or online.
Rosemary is a hardy herb that grows well in warm climates like Arizona. It has an intense flavor that adds depth and complexity to dishes. Oregano has a slightly spicy taste and pairs well with tomatoes. Thyme has a mild flavor that goes well with vegetables or fish dishes. Sage brings a slightly peppery taste to dishes and is especially nice when combined with poultry or pork dishes. Lavender has a floral aroma that adds sweetness to recipes. Chives add an onion-like flavor without the overpowering taste of onions themselves. Basil brings an earthy flavor to dishes and is often used as a garnish or as part of sauces or pestos.
These herbs are all easy to grow, requiring very little maintenance once they’ve been planted. They should be planted in full sun with well-draining soil for best results. They can be planted directly into the ground or grown in containers if desired. With just a bit of effort, you can have fresh herbs at your fingertips all year round!
Fruits to Plant in December in Arizona
December is a great time to start planting fruits in Arizona. Some of the best options for planting in December include citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and kumquats. Planting these fruits during the winter will ensure that they are ready to harvest by early summer. Additionally, you can also plant pomegranates and figs during this time. These fruits will be ready to harvest by late summer or early fall.
It is important to note that when planting fruit trees in December, you need to make sure that the soil is well-drained before you begin. This means that it should not be waterlogged or too dry. Additionally, you should also be aware of frost warnings before planting any fruit trees as some varieties may not be able to withstand cold temperatures.
Finally, it is important to provide your newly planted fruit trees with plenty of water and sunlight throughout the growing season. This will ensure that they have enough nutrients and moisture for healthy growth and development. Additionally, you should prune your fruit trees every year in order to keep them from becoming overgrown and unmanageable. With proper care and attention, December is a great time to get your own fruit orchard started in Arizona!
Flowers to Plant in December in Arizona
Planting flowers in December in Arizona can provide vibrant color and texture to your landscape during the cooler months. While the heat of summer is long gone, there are still a wide variety of flowers that will thrive in the desert climate. Many of these flowers can be planted as annuals, providing color for one season, while others will come back year after year. Some of the best flowers to plant in December include:
Pansies: Pansies are perfect for planting during cool weather because they thrive when temperatures are between 45-75 degrees Fahrenheit. With their bright colors and abundant blooms, these cheerful flowers make a great addition to any garden.
Calendula: Calendula is a hardy flower that blooms throughout winter and early spring. A cold-tolerant annual, it produces bright yellow and orange daisy-like blooms that are sure to bring cheer to your garden.
Snapdragons: Snapdragons are a classic cold-weather flower that produces tall spikes of bright bell-shaped flowers in shades of orange, yellow, white, pink and red. These long-blooming plants can add a lot of color and texture to your garden.
Petunias: Petunias are an easy-to-grow annual flower that blooms all season long and comes in an array of colors from pale pink to deep purple. They also attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.
Lantana: Lantana is a low maintenance perennial shrub with daisy-like clusters of colorful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, pink or red. This drought tolerant shrub is perfect for adding color and texture to rock gardens or xeriscapes.
With so many options available for planting flowers during the winter months, you’re sure to find something that will bring beauty and joy to your garden all season long!
Shrubs and Trees to Plant in December in Arizona
December is a great time to plant shrubs and trees in Arizona. Many types of plants thrive in the warm climate, with some of the most popular being citrus trees, oleanders, and desert willows. Citrus trees are especially popular due to their ability to produce sweet, juicy fruit year-round. Oleanders are well-suited for Arizona due to their drought tolerance and ability to withstand extreme heat. Desert willows have beautiful, fragrant blooms that often last for months.
When planting shrubs and trees in December, it is important to consider the amount of sunlight a location gets. Many plants need full sun for the majority of the day, so it is important to pick a spot that receives ample sunlight. Additionally, soil type will play a role in determining which plants are best suited for an area. Sandy soil with good drainage is usually preferable for most shrubs and trees.
Finally, it is important to make sure that the roots of any new shrub or tree are kept moist until they become established. This can be done by using mulch or keeping a hose nearby to water newly planted trees during dry spells. With proper care and attention, many different types of shrubs and trees can thrive in Arizona’s desert climate throughout December and beyond!
Succulents and Cacti to Plant in December in Arizona
December is the perfect time for planting succulents and cacti in Arizona. The mild temperatures of the winter season make it an ideal time to start a succulent or cacti garden. With the right preparation and care, you can have a thriving collection of these desert plants in no time.
When planting succulents and cacti, it’s important to choose the right location. A spot that receives plenty of sunlight is essential, as these plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It’s also important to choose an area with well-draining soil, as cacti and succulents don’t like soggy conditions.
Before planting, it’s a good idea to fertilize your soil with a balanced fertilizer that is specifically designed for desert plants. This will give your succulents and cacti the nutrients they need to thrive. When planting, be sure to space them out enough so they have room to grow without overcrowding each other.
Once your succulents and cacti are planted, they’ll need regular watering during the first few months while they establish their roots. Be sure not to over-water them; these plants don’t like wet feet! Water deeply when you do water them, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
In addition to providing adequate sunlight and water, be sure to keep an eye out for pests such as mealybugs or aphids that can damage your plants. If you notice any pests on your succulents or cactus, remove them immediately with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or neem oil. With proper care, your succulent or cactus garden should thrive throughout December and beyond!
Perennials to Plant During Winter Months in Arizona
Winter is a great time to plant perennials in Arizona. With mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it’s ideal for growing a wide variety of plants. There are many varieties of perennials that can thrive in the Arizona climate, including succulents, cacti, shrubs, trees, and flowers. Some of the most popular choices for winter planting include Agave, Yucca, Echinacea, Salvia, Lavender, Hibiscus, and Butterfly Bush. These plants are all drought tolerant and can handle the hot desert climate with ease.
Agave is a great choice for winter planting because it’s hardy and low maintenance. The plant is very drought tolerant and can survive in both hot and cold climates. It’s also easy to care for and thrives with minimal waterings. Yucca is another popular choice for winter planting in Arizona because it’s an evergreen shrub that looks great year-round. It also is very low maintenance and requires minimal watering once established.
Echinacea is an excellent choice for adding color to your garden during the winter months. This perennial flower comes in a variety of colors including white, pink, purple, yellow and orange. It’s easy to care for and does well with minimal waterings. Salvia is another great choice for adding color to your garden during the winter months in Arizona. This flowering perennial comes in shades of blue, purple, white and pink and will attract butterflies to your garden as well.
Lavender is another popular choice for winter planting in Arizona as it thrives with minimal waterings once established. This fragrant flower provides beauty year round with its gray-green foliage and purple flowers that bloom during the cooler months of the year. Hibiscus is also a great option as it produces bright blooms throughout the winter season that will bring life to any garden space. Lastly, Butterfly Bush has fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies making this plant an ideal addition to any garden during the cooler months of the year in Arizona.
Vegetables That Thrive With Cool Weather Conditions In Arizona
Vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures are ideal for Arizona gardeners. Many vegetables, such as kale, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, will do well in the cooler months of the year when grown in Arizona. Tomatoes and peppers also do well during the cooler weather. All of these vegetables require more water than other crops, so they should be watered frequently to ensure optimal growth and health.
Root vegetables also do well in cool weather conditions in Arizona. Carrots, potatoes, turnips and onions are all good options to consider. All of these vegetables require well-drained soil with plenty of organic material mixed into it for optimal growth. They should be planted early in the season and harvested before the temperatures start to rise too much.
Cool season beans are also a great choice for Arizona gardeners who want to add some extra flavor to their gardens during the cooler months of the year. Peas, lima beans and snap beans are all excellent options that will grow well even when temperatures start to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). If temperatures dip too low for too long, then these beans may need to be covered with a light cloth or mulch during colder nights in order to protect them from frost damage.
Arugula is another vegetable that can thrive in cool weather conditions and is an excellent addition to any Arizona garden during the cooler months of the year. It requires little maintenance and can grow quickly when cared for properly. Arugula has a slight peppery flavor that adds a unique twist to salads or sandwiches when added fresh from the garden.
These vegetables provide an easy way for Arizona gardeners to enjoy fresh produce even during cooler weather conditions. With proper care and attention, these cool season vegetables can be harvested throughout most of winter and spring before summer arrives again with its higher temperatures.
Conclusion
Gardening in Arizona during December can be a great way to make the most of the winter season. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can create a beautiful garden that will thrive year-round. You should research what plants are best suited for Arizona’s climate and soil type. Also, consider where you will place your plants to get maximum sun exposure. Certain vegetables, herbs, and flowers can all be planted in December in Arizona with success.
In addition to planting, you should also consider creating an irrigation system to keep your garden well-watered during the hot summer months. Pruning and fertilizing are also important aspects of gardening in Arizona. By combining these tips with knowledge about the best plants to grow for your specific region, you should have no problem creating a stunning garden that will thrive year-round in Arizona.
Ultimately, with some research and preparation gardening in Arizona during December can be an enjoyable process that leads to beautiful results. There is a wide variety of plants that are suitable for planting this time of year, so take your time choosing what you want to plant and enjoy watching them grow!