Do you want to add a touch of nature to your home and garden in the chilly days of December? The final month of the year is known for its frosty weather, but it also serves as an ideal time to get into an icy gardening journey, if you haven’t yet explored this. So although it’s not popular opinion, December offers unique opportunities for gardeners to cultivate plants, both indoors and outdoors. Here are some of the best plants to grow in December, both indoors and outdoors.
Recommended Plants to Grow In December
December wouldn’t be complete without the vibrant hues that plants bring. But while it’s true not that many plants can grow during December, it’s still a good time to hone your winter gardening skills; even though you can grow plants indoors and save yourself the trouble. As stated before, indoor garden plants can improve air quality, boost your mood, and create a refreshing atmosphere within your living space.
1. Basil
Basil is a delicious plant that can make your food taste really good, and you know what? You can actually grow it indoors in December. Even when it’s cold outside, the indoor warmth is loved by basil, but it’s really one of the easiest plants to grow.

Just place your basil pot near a window with a good amount of sunlight. You can also use a special light for its growth when the sunlight is scarce. Then, you have to ensure that the water passes through the soil easily and only water the plant when the top surface of the soil seems a little dry.
Basil’s bright green leaves and amazing smell make your food taste truly awesome, and you can use it in various recipes, like pasta, salads, and soups.
2. Kale
This leafy green veggie loves a cold atmosphere, which your home can easily provide. Here’s how to do it in simple steps. Find a decent place where the sun peeks, probably a window. Get a pot or a garden bed with good soil. Kale likes well-draining soil, so it doesn’t get too soggy.

Now, for planting, sow the kale seeds in the soil, cover them, and give them some water. Not too much, just enough to make the soil a little damp. You must water your kale when the top of the soil looks dry. Don’t let it get too thirsty! In a short period of time, you’ll see tiny kale plants popping up.
Kale grows fast; you can start harvesting the leaves when they look big enough to pick. The best part? You get fresh, tasty kale right from your own little garden, even in December.
3. Lettuce
Growing lettuce in December is easy and fun. Grab a pot or find a small area in your garden. Fill it with soil that water can move through easily. Lettuce hates wet feet, so ensure proper drainage. For sowing, take the lettuce seeds and gently press them into the soil. Avoid burying them too deep in the soil. Ensure proper spacing among the seeds so they have enough room to grow.

In a few days, you’ll see tiny lettuce sprouts. As they grow, you can pick the leaves for your salads. You’ll feel like owning a mini salad garden right at home!
4. Amaryllis
Start by finding an amaryllis bulb at a garden center or online. This bulb will act as a magic seed that will sprout into a tall and colorful flower. Pick a pot that is a bit larger than the bulb and with drainage holes at its bottom.

Now, grab the bulb and make sure that its pointy face is facing upwards. When assured, place the bulb gently into the pot. Leave the top third of the bulb above the soil. Use potting mix and press it gently around the bulb. There’s no need to bury it too deep.
The soil of Amaryllis requires drying out between the watering periods. To check if it’s the right time to water, stick your finger inside the soil; if it feels dry, fetch some water and water the soil. The next few weeks will surprise you with a tall stem rising upwards, with a spectacular flower hanging from its top.
5. Winter Jasmine
Find a spot in your garden that gets sunlight. Winter Jasmine loves the sun, and it will reward you with bright yellow flowers even in December. It is normally sold as saplings ready for planting. To plant it, dig a hole in the soil and place your Winter Jasmine plant. Cover its roots with soil and give it a gentle pat. Water it to help the plant settle.

Winter Jasmine doesn’t need much pruning. You can trim it a bit after it finishes flowering to maintain its shape. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for those who prefer a hands-off approach.
The Bottom Line
The winter months might make it complicated to grow plants, not only for beginners. Even professionals find it difficult to grow plants in December just because of the climate. Obviously, a cold condition is not the best environment to grow plants, but where there is a will, there is a way! Hopefully, this article on what to grow in December might give you some ideas. And if all else fails, there is always the greenhouse.