While December brings chilly weather and frost, it's still a good time for certain gardening tasks. You can actually start a few seeds indoors, which can set you up for success in the coming seasons.
To sow seeds in December, you'll need to do it indoors, using a heated greenhouse or a warm spot inside your home. Utilizing a heated propagator or mat can provide the necessary warmth for germination.
By starting seeds this month, you'll enjoy earlier blooms as the weather warms up, extending your flowering period.
Even in the cold, the gardening year continues, and there are several plants you can consider sowing in December.
A heated propagator helps seeds germinate effectively.
What Flowers Can Be Planted in December?
While options are limited due to winter's chill, there are still a few seeds you can plant for your flower bed. Here are some great choices to add to your winter gardening tasks.
1. Geraniums
Geraniums are delicate and should be brought inside during winter.
Starting geraniums, also known as pelargoniums, indoors from late December can yield early blooms. These vibrant plants come in many colors and can have lovely fragrant leaves, potentially flowering by April if sown this month. Regularly deadheading will keep them blooming all summer.
Plant the seeds in well-draining seed compost in trays or pots, keeping the temperature between 70-75°F. Ensure the soil stays moist but not overly wet during germination.
Once the frost danger has passed, you can transplant them outside. However, remember to bring them indoors again when temperatures drop to overwinter. A colorful addition to any garden could be the Geranium Border Mix available at Burpee.
2. Laurentia
Laurentia blooms until the first frosts.
Laurentia are half-hardy annuals, often grown as such in colder areas but can be hardy in US hardiness zones 7-10. These compact plants boast soft green leaves and numerous small star-like flowers, making them popular for flower beds and container gardens.
To germinate these heat-loving plants in December, a propagator or heating mat is essential, as they prefer at least 70°F for optimal growth.
By starting early, your Laurentia can bloom from early summer through to frost, adding color to your garden.
A complete seed starter kit with light and heat mat is perfect for indoor sowing.
3. Snapdragons
Snapdragons attract bees and are a garden favorite.
Snapdragons (antirrhinums) are a staple in cottage gardens and can also be started indoors in December for summer blooms. These flowers typically need a long growing period before they bloom, potentially starting in June if planted now.
You can select from various snapdragon types, like the Snapdragon Liberty Classic Series Mix from True Leaf Market, for a range of colors.
Sow seeds on the surface of quality seed compost without covering them. Place the tray in a propagator or a clear plastic bag until germination. Aim for 68-75°F for the best results. Once seedlings are ready, prick them into individual pots for growing until transplanting after the frost risk has passed.
4. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are a beloved flower to cultivate.
If you're looking to grow sweet peas, you can plant them anytime from fall to spring. Sowing in December can help create sturdier plants, with robust growth above and strong roots below.
Use deep pots or root trainers, available at Amazon, filled with quality seed compost. Plant seeds about an inch deep.
Keep the pots moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can create issues for sweet pea seedlings. Watch out for mice, as they love to snack on sweet pea seeds.
Sweet Pea Seeds - Knee High Mixture features a delightful blend of colors for cut flowers.
5. Begonia
Begonias offer a variety of vibrant hues.
Begonias are cheerful plants that can brighten your garden in summer with their vivid colors. They thrive in various settings, including borders, pots, and hanging baskets.
Although they're often propagated from cuttings, you can start begonia seeds in winter with care. The seeds are tiny, and the seedlings are delicate, so handle them gently.
Lightly sow seeds in small pots filled with seed compost without covering them, as they require light to sprout. Keep them in a warm spot, like a propagator or windowsill, at temperatures of 70-75°F. Germination can take time, often around 4-5 weeks.
Check out a variety of begonia seeds at True Leaf Market.
6. Hardy Cyclamen
Cyclamen coum begins blooming in January.
Hardy cyclamen are ideal winter plants for containers and borders. Suitable types for December sowing include Cyclamen coum, which blooms in winter, and Cyclamen hederifolium.
To enhance germination chances, soak the seeds overnight, then sow them thinly in small pots. Lightly cover with compost, vermiculite, or grit to block out light, and ensure consistent moisture.
Keep pots in a shaded area at around 60°F for germination, but be patient, as some seeds may take months to sprout.
7. Tulips
December is an optimal time for planting tulips in milder areas.
It's not too late to plant spring bulbs in December. While you may have missed the window for daffodils or hyacinths, tulips can still be planted if the ground isn't frozen.
For those in milder climates, December planting can be advantageous, as it's best to wait until after the first frosts to minimize the risk of tulip fire.
Crocus bulbs can also be planted in early December.
Eternal Spring Tulip Mix includes a selection of 100 different tulips that will bloom throughout spring, creating a stunning display.
Using a specially formulated compost for seed-starting is essential for success. While multi-purpose compost can work, avoid using old garden soil as it retains too much moisture during winter.
