Zone 10 - What to Plant in December

Zone 10 - What to Plant in December

Zone 10 gardeners should be planting their gardens in December. With no risk of frost but the dog days of summer behind us, this is the perfect time to plant. See the vegetables below that are perfect for planting now.

The Merlot Pepper produces huge yields of big peppers on tall healthy plants! This hybrid pepper is a tall plant that is highly resistant to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and bacterial leaf spot (BST). This variety produces huge pepper yields on lush foliage that offers good protection for the newly formed bells. The Merlot begins off green, turns white, and finally begins to turn merlot purple when mature.

Red Arrow radish seeds produce fast-growing plants that are primarily cultivated for their vibrant red stems and lush green leaves rather than their roots. This variety is especially prized for microgreens and edible shoots, offering a crisp texture and a bold, spicy radish flavor that adds zest to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Red Arrow is easy to grow, thrives in full sun to partial shade, and is well-suited for both garden beds and indoor trays. Its striking color and strong flavor make it a favorite among chefs and home growers alike.

Dwarf White Sugar peas are a compact, heirloom variety of edible-podded peas prized for their sweet, tender pods and early harvest. Growing to just about 2 to 3 feet tall, they require little to no support, making them ideal for small gardens and containers. These peas produce delicate white flowers followed by flat, crisp pods that can be eaten whole, either raw or cooked. Known for their mild, sugary flavor, Dwarf White Sugar peas are often harvested young for the best texture and taste. They thrive in cool weather and are typically among the first vegetables ready to harvest in the spring garden.

The Red Beefsteak Tomato produces an extra large, meaty fruit that is very popular among home gardens used for adding to sandwiches other dishes. This beefsteak variety is not grown commercially as often as the smaller types. The Red Beefsteak is describes as being a solid, meaty and juicy tomato that is an excellent slicer.

Sugar Lace peas are a unique variety of edible-podded peas known for their attractive, semi-leafless vines with tendrils that help them cling and climb, reducing the need for support. These peas produce sweet, crisp pods that are stringless and ideal for fresh eating, stir-frying, or steaming. Unlike traditional shelling peas, Sugar Lace peas are enjoyed whole, pod and all, making them a convenient and nutritious garden snack. They are a late-season type with high yields and excellent disease resistance, thriving best in cool weather and well-drained soil. Their compact growth habit also makes them suitable for small gardens or container planting.

Solar Yellow carrots are a delightful and unique variety that brings a vibrant burst of color to your garden and plate. Distinguished by their bright yellow hue, these carrots stand out among the more traditional orange varieties, offering a sunny and cheerful appearance. Their color is due to the presence of xanthophylls, which are natural pigments that also contribute to their mild, slightly sweet flavor. Solar Yellow carrots are known for their crisp texture and tender bite, making them a versatile addition to both raw and cooked dishes. This golden carrot has 6-7 inches tapered roots.

The size of the First Prize Pumpkin will range from 50 lbs. to a whopping 150 lbs. with a bright color superior to the Atlantic types. Truly a first prize, this pumpkin variety will be a great addition for those who want the biggest and best. The First Prize matures in 120 days from planting on vigorous vines. This pumpkin is compared to Prizewinner F1.

The Golden Sweet Pea is really the gold standard for yellow shelling peas! This yellow pod snow pea grows to be around 3 inches long. This pea has a wonderful sweet taste and can be eaten raw in salads or steamed as a side dish. The large 5-6 foot vines need to be trellised and will grow beautiful purple flowers. Certified Organic. Learn more about our organic seeds.

Howden pumpkins are a classic variety known for their ideal characteristics for both carving and decoration. Typically round and medium to large in size, these pumpkins can weigh between 10 to 30 pounds, featuring a smooth, bright orange skin that is easy to carve. Their sturdy, thick walls provide excellent structure for carving, making them a popular choice for Halloween decorations. Developed in the 1960s, Howden pumpkins have become a favorite among growers for their reliable yields and disease resistance. The flesh is sweet and can be used in pies and other dishes, although they are primarily sought after for their aesthetic appeal during the fall season. These pumpkins thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, requiring a growing period of about 90-120 days from planting to harvest. They are typically ready for picking in late summer to early fall, just in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities. Howden pumpkins' vibrant color, robust shape, and versatility make them a staple in autumn decorations and culinary applications alike.

The Cayenne Long Red Thick Pepper is the biggest cayenne pepper you can grow! This variety's pepper grows to 5" long and 1/2" thick and are often curled and twisted. This pepper is great enjoyed fresh or dried for later use! The Cayenne Long Red Thick is a middle of the road hot pepper.

The Copia Tomato is a yellow and red striped beefsteak variety that is a cross between the Green Zebra and Marvel Striped. This sweet and juicy tomato is perfect for slicing and adding to salads and sandwiches for a sweet and tangy kick! This beefsteak can weigh 10-12 ounces each.

The Aunt Ruby German Green Tomato is an old time heirloom favorite for the garden that has an unmatchable juicy and spicy flavor! This giant, green beefsteak grows to be 4-5" and weighs over 1 lb.

The Blush Tomato is part of the beautiful and tasty Artisan tomato collection and has a sweet, fruity flavor that is great for fresh eating. The delicious bright yellow tomato produces red marbling stripes when mature. The attractive Blush mixes beautifully with the other Artisan tomatoes.

The Yellow of Paris Pumpkin is a large yellow to peach colored pumpkin that is an old French native that is still popular today. These large, flattened round beauties are very similar to Cinderella pumpkins and can weigh up to 50 pounds! This variety is mainly used for making pies, soup or baked. The Yellow of Paris is known for its delicious, tender flavor when cooked.

SuperStar is a hybrid cabbage that produces the highest quality fresh market cabbages. It has excellent wrappers for a fancy pack along with excellent holding ability in the field and after harvest.

The Hailstone Radish is a round white radish with a very crisp flesh that is a nice color contrast on relish trays and in salads. This quick growing radish is suitable to both spring and fall planting. Begin harvesting this radish variety when its nearly an inch across.

The Early Scarlet Globe is an early forcing radish that is perfect for home and market growers! This variety is a great bunching radish that produces 1" globes with bright red skin and a white flesh. The Early Scarlet Globe is great for both spring and fall planting!

The Connecticut Field pumpkin is a historic heirloom variety dating back to the 1700s, traditionally grown by Native Americans and among the earliest cultivated pumpkins in the United States. It produces large, round, bright orange fruits with shallow ribbing, typically weighing 15–25 pounds. Well-suited for gardens across much of North America, it thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and requires ample space for its long vines to spread. With a maturity time of about 100–110 days, this variety benefits from consistent watering and mulching to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Connecticut Field pumpkins are widely used for carving, seasonal decoration, and in cooking—especially for pies and purees—thanks to their classic shape and flavorful flesh.