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.

Black Brandywine tomatoes are a unique and highly regarded heirloom variety known for their exceptional flavor and distinctive characteristics. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, these tomatoes have earned a special place in the hearts of gardeners and tomato enthusiasts alike. The story of Black Brandywine begins with the original Brandywine tomato, which was developed in the late 1800s in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania. Over time, a natural mutation led to the development of the black variant, which retained the outstanding flavor of the original while introducing a striking, dark coloration. The fruit of the Black Brandywine tomato is large and typically reaches sizes of 8 to 16 ounces (227 to 454 grams) or even larger under optimal conditions. Its shape is somewhat irregular, often with a beefsteak-like appearance, characterized by deep ridges and an uneven, slightly flattened globe shape. The skin of Black Brandywine tomatoes is a dark purplish-black or maroon color, adding to their visual appeal. The plants of Black Brandywine tomatoes are indeterminate, which means they continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. They can reach heights of 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters) or more, so proper support is essential. These tomatoes thrive in warm and sunny climates, requiring full sun and well-drained soil. Adequate moisture and regular pruning are crucial to manage their vigorous growth and ensure good air circulation. Black Brandywine tomatoes are a favorite among gardeners who appreciate their rich, complex flavor, making them a must-grow variety for anyone looking to savor the taste of history in their garden.

The Pimento Pepper is a great snacking pepper that goes excellent with cheese, specifically Pimento cheese! The Pimento, aka Sheepnose, is a beautiful sweet pepper that ripens from green to red. This variety is a round, oblate, and gorgeously ribbed pepper. The Pimento is great for long time storage and has an excellent crispy flesh with a delicious zesty flavor. Originated in Ohio, the Pimento is a vigorous producer in northern climates.

Alaska pea seeds grow into one of the oldest and earliest-maturing pea varieties, first introduced in the late 1800s and valued for its ability to thrive in cool northern climates. This hardy shelling pea produces compact, vining plants that yield an abundance of small, smooth, bright green pods filled with sweet, tender peas in just about 55 days, making it a favorite for short-season gardeners. The plants are relatively easy to grow, preferring well-drained soil and cool weather, and they often set pods before summer heat diminishes yields. With a mild, slightly starchy sweetness, Alaska peas are excellent for fresh eating, freezing, or canning, and have long been popular in soups and stews due to their ability to hold flavor and texture after cooking. Their dependable growth and versatile use have kept them a staple in gardens for well over a century.

Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper seeds produce one of the hottest chili peppers in the world, known for its intense heat and distinctive fruity flavor. Originating from Trinidad, this pepper earned its spot in the Guinness World Records as the hottest pepper in 2011, with heat levels reaching over 1.4 million Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). The peppers grow on compact plants and mature into small, wrinkled, reddish-orange pods that pack a fiery punch. Despite their extreme heat, Trinidad Scorpion Butch T peppers are also prized for their complex flavor profile, offering a slightly sweet, citrus-like taste before the intense heat kicks in. Ideal for hot sauce production, spicy foods, or daring pepper enthusiasts, these seeds are best suited for experienced gardeners who are prepared to handle the intense heat and care required for growing this fiery pepper.

The Autumn Buckskin F1 Pumpkin is a buff colored dickenson hybrid that was selected especially for both baking and decorative purposes. This slightly flattened, hardy pumpkin is 8 x 13 inches big weighing at 12-15 pounds! This plant has large vines to produce up to 5 pumpkins per plant.

Striking and unforgettable, these chocolate-brown, lantern-shaped peppers grow to about 2" long and are highly ornamental—but don’t be fooled by the color. Behind the rich, glossy exterior is serious heat, packing up to 300,000 Scoville units. A favorite among hot pepper lovers, Chocolate Habaneros deliver an intense burn with deep, fruity, smoky flavor and a subtle earthy sweetness. The compact plants produce well and are perfect for hot sauces, salsas, and bold spicy dishes. Similar in flavor and fire to Chocolate Scotch Bonnet, this variety is powerful—use with care and enjoy in moderation.

The Fancy Nantes carrot gets its name for its very smooth skin and fancy cylindrical shape. These carrots can grow up to 8" long with a very sweet and crisp flesh. For smaller, "fancier" look and great flavor try harvesting at 45-50 days when 4" long! They can store for months and also do great being left in the ground over winter.

Gypsy F1 pepper seeds produce a hybrid variety of sweet peppers known for their vibrant color and delicious taste. These peppers are typically thick-walled, with a crisp texture and a mild, sweet flavor that makes them perfect for both raw and cooked dishes. The plants are known for their high yield and early maturity, making them a popular choice among gardeners and commercial growers alike. Gypsy F1 peppers are often a mix of green, yellow, and red colors as they ripen, adding a beautiful visual appeal to any garden or meal. Their versatility, disease resistance, and consistent performance in various climates make them a top choice for pepper enthusiasts. An All American Selection Pepper, need we say more! Grows to about 2x4" in size. Excellent when used in salads, frying, or stews.

Gypsy is a hybrid broccoli that produces well in warmer growing zones. An excellent variety for greenhouse production. Gypsy has a strong root system and intermediate downy mildew resistance. Gypsy yields excellent, smooth, dome-shaped heads with medium-small beads.

The Sweet Million has a delicious flavor with outstanding yields that keeps coming back! This hybrid produces large clusters of smooth, bright red fruits that come early and will produce all summer long. This variety is one of the most popular home garden tomatoes that always pleases. The disease resistant Sweet Million tomatoes are 1-1.5" long and produces high yields until the first frost if picked regularly.

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.

Red Grano onion seeds produce a classic short-day variety that originated in the early 20th century from the famous Grano strain developed in Texas. Known for their medium to large, globe-shaped bulbs with rose-red skin and white, mildly flavored flesh, Red Grano onions are prized for both fresh use and short-term storage. They thrive in regions with mild winters and are best sown in late fall or early spring, preferring full sun and loose, well-drained soil. With a growing period of about 100–120 days, these onions mature into tender, juicy bulbs that add a sweet yet slightly sharp flavor to salads, sandwiches, and salsas.

The hardy American Flag leek is a good variety for both home and market growers. The attractive uniform leek has blue green leaves and white stalks. The American Flag variety has a very nice sweet flavor. This leek can be enjoyed during fall and winter. Certified Organic. Learn more about our organic seeds.

The Danver 126 is a great tasting favorite that is now also available as organic! This carrot was bred for heat resistance and will produce high yields. This carrot has a beautiful bright color with smooth skin. The Danver 126 is perfect for home gardeners and market growers alike.

The Premier Kale, or also known as Early Hanover, is a high yielding kale with delicious and nutritious green leaves. This kale is early maturing that produces high amounts of smooth, dark green leaves. Plant Premier in the fall so that it produces higher yields and resists bolting 4 weeks longer. This kale's taste is a favorite and is extremely high in antioxidants and beta carotene!

The Vintage Wine Tomato is a favorite tomato among gourmet gardeners! This is a wonderful tomato plant to add to your garden as it grows large tomatoes that can reach 1.5 lbs. This variety produces big pink colored tomatoes with golden stripes that have a great tender, sweet and mild flavor. The Vintage Wine plant has potato leave foliage.

The Imperator 58 is a Danver carrot that is a garden staple! This carrot variety grows to 9" long and 1 1/2" wide. It has a very sweet and tender flavor. This carrot has smooth, large, fine-grained, long, tapered roots. Imperator 58 carrot performs best in loose, friable soils.

The Sugar Snap Pea is a garden staple pea that has unmatchable taste! This variety has tall vines that with support can grow up to 6 feet plus! The Sugar Snap Pea plant produces 3" long pods that are a 1/2" across, and bear over a long picking period. This is pea is so tasty that people will eat it directly after picking! Sugar Snap yields well in both hot and cold weather.