What should I plant in December in Fresno, CA?

In December in Fresno, CA (zone 9a), you can plant Chives, Cilantro, Lavender, Mint, Oregano, and more. These dates are based on local climate data for your area.

When do I plant Chives in Fresno, CA?

In Fresno, CA (zone 9a), Chives: start seeds indoors Jan 1 – Dec 31, transplant outdoors Jan 1 – Dec 31.

When do I plant Cilantro in Fresno, CA?

In Fresno, CA (zone 9a), Cilantro: direct sow Oct 9 – Dec 31 and Jan 1 – May 16.

When do I plant Lavender in Fresno, CA?

In Fresno, CA (zone 9a), Lavender: start seeds indoors Jan 1 – Mar 23 and Nov 9 – Dec 31, transplant outdoors Jan 24 – Jun 8.

What to Plant in December

Fresno, CA · Zone 9a

Last frost: Feb 15 Frost-free days: 289

Full year calendar for Fresno

Winter gardening continues — harvest cool-season greens and root vegetables. Plan next year's layout and order seeds early for the best selection.

December at a Glance

Indoor Transplant Direct Sow

1 5 10 15 20 25

Chives

Cilantro

Lavender

Mint

Oregano

Parsley

Rosemary

Sage

Thyme

Artichoke

Beet

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Carrot

Cauliflower

Celery

Kale

Leek

Lettuce

Onion

Peas

Radish

Spinach

Strawberry

Swiss Chard

Turnip

Start Indoors 21

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

Chives

Jan 1 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Mint

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Leek

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 90–150 days

Onion

Jan 1 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Strawberry

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Brussels Sprouts

May 17 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Parsley

Jul 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Broccoli

Aug 1 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Cabbage

Aug 1 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Aug 1 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Swiss Chard

Aug 9 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Lettuce

Sep 9 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Spinach

Sep 24 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Kale

Oct 9 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Celery

Nov 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 80–120 days

Lavender

Nov 9 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 90–120 days

Rosemary

Nov 9 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 80–120 days

Thyme

Nov 16 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Artichoke

Nov 16 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 85–100 days

Oregano

Dec 1–31

1 per sq ft 60–90 days

Sage

Dec 1–31

1 per sq ft 75–90 days

Transplant 14

Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.

Chives

Jan 1 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Mint

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Leek

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 90–150 days

Onion

Jan 1 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Strawberry

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Parsley

Sep 9 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Swiss Chard

Sep 9 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Broccoli

Sep 24 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Brussels Sprouts

Sep 24 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Cabbage

Sep 24 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Sep 24 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Lettuce

Oct 9 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Spinach

Oct 24 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Kale

Nov 24 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Direct Sow 6

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Plant now

Beet

Sep 16 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Carrot

Sep 16 – Dec 31

16 per sq ft 70–80 days

Turnip

Sep 16 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

Cilantro

Oct 9 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 30–45 days

Peas

Oct 9 – Dec 31

8 per sq ft 55–70 days

Later this month

Radish

Dec 17–31

16 per sq ft 22–30 days

December Gardening Tips

Start Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
Direct sow Carrot, Peas, Beet 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.