What should I plant in December in Charlotte, NC?

In December in Charlotte, NC (zone 7b), you can plant Chives, Lavender, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, and more. These dates are based on local climate data for your area.

When do I plant Chives in Charlotte, NC?

In Charlotte, NC (zone 7b), Chives: start seeds indoors Jan 1 – May 16 and Nov 16 – Dec 31, transplant outdoors Jan 24 – Jul 23.

When do I plant Lavender in Charlotte, NC?

In Charlotte, NC (zone 7b), Lavender: start seeds indoors Jan 1 – Mar 16 and Dec 1 – Dec 31, transplant outdoors Feb 15 – May 31.

When do I plant Mint in Charlotte, NC?

In Charlotte, NC (zone 7b), Mint: start seeds indoors Jan 1 – May 16 and Nov 24 – Dec 31, transplant outdoors Jan 24 – Jul 16.

What to Plant in December

Charlotte, NC · Zone 7b

Last frost: Mar 25 Frost-free days: 230

Full year calendar for Charlotte

The garden rests under snow or mulch. This is planning season — review what worked, order seeds, and sketch out next year's bed layouts.

December at a Glance

Indoor Transplant Direct Sow

1 5 10 15 20 25

Chives

Lavender

Mint

Oregano

Parsley

Rosemary

Sage

Thyme

Artichoke

Beet

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Celery

Kale

Leek

Lettuce

Onion

Peas

Spinach

Strawberry

Swiss Chard

Turnip

Start Indoors 21

Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.

Plant now

Brussels Sprouts

Sep 16 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Leek

Nov 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 90–150 days

Onion

Nov 1 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Chives

Nov 16 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Parsley

Nov 16 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Mint

Nov 24 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Celery

Nov 24 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 80–120 days

Lavender

Dec 1–31

1 per sq ft 90–120 days

Rosemary

Dec 1–31

1 per sq ft 80–120 days

Broccoli

Dec 1–31

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Cabbage

Dec 1–31

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Dec 1–31

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Thyme

Dec 9–31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Artichoke

Dec 9–31

1 per sq ft 85–100 days

Kale

Dec 9–31

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Strawberry

Dec 9–31

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Later this month

Oregano

Dec 24–31

1 per sq ft 60–90 days

Sage

Dec 24–31

1 per sq ft 75–90 days

Lettuce

Dec 24–31

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Spinach

Dec 24–31

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Swiss Chard

Dec 24–31

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Direct Sow 3

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Beet

Jul 17 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Turnip

Jul 17 – Jan 8

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

Peas

Nov 24 – Dec 31

8 per sq ft 55–70 days

December Gardening Tips

Start Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
Direct sow Peas, Beet, Turnip straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
Get a soil test now — results come back fast in the off-season and you can amend before spring.