December in North Texas might feel like winter’s quiet pause, but don’t be fooled—this is actually one of the most strategic months to get your hands dirty. While many gardeners hang up their gloves, I’ve learned over years of tending my own backyard that December is prime time for planting certain cold-hardy crops and ornamentals. Whether you’re dreaming of spring harvests or just want greener winters, knowing what to plant in December in North Texas can set your garden up for serious success.
Preferences vary, of course. Some folks prioritize color and blooms, while others focus on edible yields or low-maintenance landscaping. Personally, I lean toward a mix—something beautiful, useful, and resilient. After battling late frosts, unpredictable freezes, and clay-heavy soil, I’ve found that timing and plant selection make all the difference.
In this guide, I’ll share exactly what’s worth planting right now, based on my experience growing in zones 7b and 8a across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. From cool-season veggies to hardy perennials, you’ll get practical, no-fluff advice—plus insider tips I wish I’d known when I started.
By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to keep your garden thriving through winter and bursting into life come spring. Let’s dig in.
Best Plants to Put in the Ground This December
North Texas winters are mild compared to the rest of the country, but they’re not without surprises. Frost dates typically run from mid-November to mid-March, so December planting requires choosing species that tolerate cool soil and occasional freezes. Here’s what I’ve had the best luck with:
| Plant Name | Best Use | Height/Spread | Planting Time | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic | Edible bulb | 12–24 inches | Dec–Feb | Cold stratification needed |
| Onions (sets) | Edible bulb | 12–18 inches | Dec–Jan | Fast spring harvest |
| Spinach | Leafy green | 6–12 inches | Oct–Dec | Frost-tolerant |
| Dwarf Ixora | Ornamental shrub | 3–4 ft | Year-round (best in cool months) | Red clusters, low water |
| Bougainvillea | Vine/patio plant | 6–12 ft (trained) | Dec–Mar (in protected spots) | Vibrant bracts, drought-loving |
| Texas Sage | Drought-tolerant shrub | 4–6 ft | Fall–Winter | Silvery foliage, purple blooms |
Garlic: The Quiet Powerhouse
I’ve grown garlic every December for the past seven years, and honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding crops. You’re not planting seeds—you’re planting individual cloves, pointed end up, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. I prefer hardneck varieties like ‘German Extra Hardy’ because they overwinter well and deliver bold flavor.
Pro tip: Mulch heavily with straw after planting. It keeps weeds down and insulates the soil during sudden cold snaps. By late spring, you’ll have bulbs ready to harvest—just in time for summer cookouts.
Want to learn more? Check out my guide on growing garlic in clay soil—it’s a game-changer for North Texas gardeners.
Onions from Sets: Quick and Reliable
If you’ve ever struggled with onion seeds, try sets instead. These are tiny, pre-grown bulbs that go in the ground in December and shoot up fast once spring warmth arrives. I plant them about an inch deep in well-drained soil, spacing them 4–6 inches apart.
In my experience, yellow sets like ‘Walla Walla’ do best here—they’re sweet, store well, and resist bolting. Just remember: onions hate wet feet, so avoid heavy watering once established.
Spinach: Fresh Greens All Winter
Spinach thrives in cool weather, and December planting gives it a head start. I sow seeds directly into raised beds or containers, covering them lightly with soil. Varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ and ‘Giant Winter’ handle frost like champs.
One thing I’ve learned? Harvest outer leaves first to encourage continuous growth. You can keep picking well into February if temperatures stay above 20°F.
Dwarf Ixora: Color Without the Fuss
For ornamental planting, dwarf ixora is a personal favorite. It blooms in tight clusters of red, orange, or yellow flowers and stays compact—perfect for borders or containers. I planted mine last December, and by April, it was already flowering.
It likes morning sun and afternoon shade here, and once established, it’s surprisingly drought-tolerant. Just don’t overwater—root rot is real in our heavy soils.
Bougainvillea: Bold Beauty for Protected Spots
Bougainvillea isn’t technically hardy below 30°F, but if you plant it near a south-facing wall or in a container you can move, it’ll reward you with electric pink, magenta, or orange bracts. I trained mine on a trellis last winter, and by summer, it was a showstopper.
Honestly, it’s fussy about water—let it dry out between drinks—but the payoff is worth it.
Texas Sage: The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Shrub
Also called Leucophyllum frutescens, this native shrub is a Texas staple. It handles heat, drought, and poor soil like a champ. I planted ‘Silver Cloud’ last December, and it’s already 3 feet tall with silvery leaves and lavender blooms after summer rains.
No pruning needed—just plant it and forget it. Perfect for xeriscaping or low-water landscapes.
Key Takeaways for December Planting in North Texas
- Focus on cold-hardy edibles: Garlic, onions, spinach, and kale are top performers.
- Ornamentals do well too: Dwarf ixora, bougainvillea (with protection), and Texas sage add year-round interest.
- Soil prep matters: Amend clay soil with compost before planting to improve drainage.
- Mulch is your friend: Use straw, leaves, or pine bark to protect roots from temperature swings.
- Watch the forecast: If a hard freeze is coming, cover tender plants with frost cloth.
Expert Advice & Regional Notes
North Texas sits in a tricky climate zone—warm enough for winter planting, but prone to sudden Arctic blasts. Always check your microclimate: south-facing slopes warm up faster, while low-lying areas collect cold air.
Avoid planting tropicals like hibiscus or citrus in December unless they’re in containers you can bring indoors. And never fertilize now—plants are dormant, and nutrients can burn roots.
Lastly, water sparingly. Overwatering in cool weather is a silent killer. Stick your finger in the soil—if it’s damp an inch down, wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant tomatoes in December in North Texas?
No—tomatoes are warm-season crops and will die in frost. Wait until late February or March, after the last freeze date.
Will my spinach survive a hard freeze?
Yes, if it’s well-established and mulched. Spinach can tolerate temps as low as 15°F for short periods.
Is December too late to plant garlic?
Not at all! December is actually ideal. Just make sure cloves are in the ground before January for proper root development.
Wrapping Up: Keep Growing, Even in Winter
Thanks for reading—I hope this guide helps you make the most of your December garden. There’s something deeply satisfying about planting in the quiet of winter, knowing you’re setting the stage for a vibrant spring.
I’ve learned that gardening here isn’t about fighting the climate—it’s about working with it. And December? It’s one of the smartest months to start.
If you found this helpful, subscribe to my newsletter for seasonal planting tips straight from my backyard. Got questions? Drop them in the comments—I reply to every one. Happy planting, y’all!