Zone 9 - What to Plant in December

Zone 9 - What to Plant in December

Now is when the main planting is happening in zone 9. The hot and humid days of summer are behind us and we can start growing the garden. With a last frost date in early February you should start growing your tomatoes, peppers and other plants indoors so they are ready to transplant in February.

The Snow Crown cauliflower is a delicious, mild and sweet hybrid. This cauliflower's head will get to 7-8 inches across and 1-2 pounds. The Snow Crown is extra early and adaptable and can be harvested in summer or fall. Be careful not to under-fertilize or water, stress can cause a purplish discoloration on the undersides of the head.

Brunswick cabbage is a traditional variety known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a favorite among gardeners in cooler climates. Originating from Europe, Brunswick cabbage features large, tightly packed heads that can reach sizes of 3-5 pounds. The leaves are thick, dark green, and slightly crinkled, providing a robust texture. The flavor is mild and sweet, especially after exposure to frost, which enhances its natural sugars. Brunswick cabbage is typically harvested in late summer to early fall, and it can store well, making it ideal for winter use. This variety is often used for sauerkraut, coleslaw, and various cooked dishes due to its versatility. Brunswick cabbage plants grow upright and can reach heights of about 18-24 inches, preferring well-drained soil and full sun. Their resilience to cold weather makes them suitable for early spring and fall planting, allowing gardeners to enjoy fresh produce throughout the growing season. Overall, Brunswick cabbage is valued for its robust flavor, adaptability, and long storage life.

An early maturing heirloom cabbage. Early Jersey Wakefield is an early variety of cabbage with pointed heads that resist splitting! A great home garden cabbage with great flavor!

'White Solemacher' (Also known as Weiss Solemacher) is a white fruiting alpine strawberry cultivar that has been around for many years. It was discovered in Germany. The fruit is among the largest white fruit produced by alpines. It is a clumping type (few to no runners) and is day neutral which means it is not dependent on day length for flowering. The white fruit has the distinctive wild strawberry flavor and aroma expected from fraises des bois. The fruit has a hint of pineapple flavor typical of white alpine fruit. We like it that birds don't seem to know the fruit is ripe and so it Fools the Birds and a part of the collection by that name.

The Big Jim is the largest of all chile peppers! This hot-medium pepper can get up to 12 inches long and tastes amazing in many different types of cuisine. The Big Jim yields 24-30 peppers per plant. This organic pepper will turn from green to red once ready to be harvested. The Big Jim pepper plant flowers well, even when hot. Certified Organic Learn more about our organic seeds.

Waltham 29 broccoli seeds produce a classic, open-pollinated variety that was developed in the early 20th century by the University of Massachusetts at Waltham and has remained a trusted garden standard ever since. This variety forms large, deep blue-green central heads measuring 6–8" across on sturdy, cold-tolerant plants that typically reach 20–24" tall. Known for its reliability and adaptability, Waltham 29 performs especially well in cooler temperatures and is valued for its uniform growth and strong side-shoot production after the main head is harvested, resulting in generous yields over an extended period. It matures in about 74–85 days from transplant, making it well suited for spring and fall planting. The tightly packed florets have a tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, excellent for fresh eating, steaming, freezing, and a wide range of culinary uses.

The Great White Tomato is an award winning white beefsteak tomato! This unique variety has a creamy inside that grows up to 12 ounces. The Great White is an excellent big multi-purpose slicer with an unique color and a great taste that is low in acid.

The Sudduth's Strain Brandywine Tomato is a pink Brandywine type with an excellent, rich and delightfully intense tomato flavor. This variety was obtained from Dorris Sudduth Hill whose family grew it for over 100 years. The large pink beefsteak tomatoes can grow to be about 2 pounds.

The Mushroom Basket is a large, uniquely shaped tomato with a delicious juicy sweet flavor, originating from Russia. This plant produces enormous 8-16 ounce ruffled tomatoes that are colored bright pink. These plants are Indeterminate and do require a sturdy trellis. The Mushroom Basket tomatoes are the perfect tomatoes for slicing!

Red Cored Chantenay carrots are a vibrant variety known for their distinct color and shape. They feature a deep orange skin that transitions to a striking red core, creating a visually appealing contrast. The carrots have a stout, conical shape, tapering at the end, which makes them easy to harvest and handle. These carrots are celebrated for their sweet, rich flavor and crisp texture, making them ideal for both raw snacking and cooking. They’re versatile in the kitchen, lending themselves well to roasting, steaming, or incorporating into salads. Red Cored Chantenay carrots are also known for their high nutrient content, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals. Their unique coloration is not only attractive but also indicates a high level of antioxidants, contributing to their health benefits.

The All American Selection Collection is a mix of our favorite AAS winning tomatoes. These tomatoes have been selected from multiple judges to be the best all around tomatoes. They have been selected by taste, vigor, growth habits, disease resistance, shape, firmness, color, and so much more. Golden Jubilee - Meaty, thick, golden-orange walls that have an excellent mild flavor. Large Red Cherry - Large, cherry type tomato, produce in grape-like clusters on long, vigorous vines. Celebrity - Great disease resistant tomato. As close to perfect as you can get. Chef's Choice Orange - The name says it all. This neon orange tomato has a juicy wonderful flavor. Big Beefy - For over 19 years, this tomato has remained a garden favorite.

Perfect tomato for slicing and sandwiches. With a 4-5 week harvest window, these dark red fruits grow on a compact, uniform plant and offer good resistance to multiple diseases common to homegrown tomatoes.

Thumbelina carrots are tender and sweet with no need to peel! It is the perfect bit size for fresh eating, stews and salads. Thumbelina's small size makes it a great choice for heavy or shallow soils or containers. No wonder it is an All-America Selections Winner from 1992!

Bull's Blood beet, scientifically known as Beta vulgaris, is a striking and versatile variety of beetroot that has gained popularity for its unique characteristics. This heirloom variety has a fascinating history, dating back centuries to Europe, where it was initially cultivated for its edible leaves rather than the root. Its name, "Bull's Blood," is derived from the deep burgundy-red color of its leaves, which resemble the color of ox blood. Over time, its sweet and earthy flavor profile has made it a favorite among chefs and home gardeners alike. In terms of appearance, Bull's Blood beets typically grow to a medium size, roughly 2-3 inches in diameter, and have a round to slightly flattened shape. The seeds of this variety are easy to come by and can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors. Bull's Blood beets are relatively quick to mature, taking about 50-60 days from seed to harvest. The leaves are a deep red, while the root itself is a dark purplish-red, making it visually appealing on the plate. Bull's Blood beets exhibit some resistance to common beet diseases like Cercospora leaf spot and Downy Mildew, although specific resistance levels may vary depending on growing conditions. When properly cared for, they can yield a plentiful harvest. To ensure optimal growth, it's recommended to space the beet plants about 2-4 inches apart in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Adequate moisture and consistent watering are essential for healthy growth. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color to your garden or enhance your culinary creations, Bull's Blood beets are a delightful choice with a rich history and vibrant character.

The Buena Mulata Pepper is beautiful ornamental hot pepper that ripens from a vivid violet to zesty orange, then to deep red! This old heirloom variety traces back to Horace Pippin, an African-American folk artist. When ripe, the pepper will get to around 6 inches in length and will have a heat level that is similar to a cayenne pepper. The Buena Mulata can be used fresh or dried to give any dish a slight kick!

Crimson radish is a vibrant and flavorful variety of radish that stands out for its striking color and crisp texture. Originating from traditional radish cultivars, Crimson radish has been cultivated for its eye-catching appearance and peppery taste. This variety is known for its round, smooth roots, which boast a deep red to crimson skin and a white, crunchy interior. The flavor is typically sharp and tangy, with a satisfying bite that enhances salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Crimson radishes generally mature in about 25 to 30 days, making them a quick and rewarding crop for gardeners. The plants exhibit a compact, upright growth habit, growing to a height of about 6 to 12 inches with a spread of 6 to 8 inches. They thrive in cool weather and well-drained soil, preferring full sun to partial shade. Their rapid growth and ease of cultivation make them ideal for successive plantings, providing a steady supply of fresh radishes throughout the growing season. With their vibrant color, crisp texture, and zesty flavor, Crimson radishes are a popular choice for adding both visual appeal and flavor to the garden and kitchen.

The Kellogg's Breakfast Tomato is an heirloom variety that produces big, bright orange fruits that are meaty and juicy with only a few seeds! This large tomato can weigh 1 pound or more! This variety has thin skin and a sweet tangy flavor. Kellogg's Breakfast will brighten up your day!

The Hot and Happy Mix is a blend of hot pepper, all colors, shapes and heats. This mix of peppers are bold and adventurous! This assortment of hot peppers includes habaneros, jalapeños, chilies, poblanos, anchos and more! Hot and Happy Mix is perfect for any hot pepper lover!