What to Plant in December in the Philippines

What to plant in December in the Philippines focuses on cool-season crops that produce their best results in the year's mildest weather. December temperatures range from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius with very little rainfall (under 100 mm in most areas). The northeast monsoon brings cool, dry breezes that leafy greens and root vegetables love.

December is also the holiday season, making it a perfect time to grow fresh herbs for Noche Buena cooking and ornamental plants for festive decorations. Gardens planted in December will produce harvests through January and February, keeping your table stocked with fresh produce during the best growing season.

Best Vegetables to Plant in December

• Lettuce thrives in December's cool weather. Direct sow or transplant for harvest in 30 to 45 days. Grow multiple varieties for colourful, nutritious salads. Provide afternoon shade if temperatures exceed 30 degrees. Succession plant every 2 weeks.
• Pechay grows fast and clean in December with minimal pest pressure. Harvest baby pechay in 20 days or full-sized heads in 30 days. The cool weather produces the crispest, mildest-tasting leaves.
• Repolyo (Cabbage) forms tight, sweet heads during the cool dry season. Transplant seedlings 40 cm apart. Water deeply every 3 days. December-planted cabbage matures in February for a satisfying harvest.
• Carrots produce the sweetest roots in December's cool soil. Direct sow in loose, sandy loam. Thin to 5 cm apart. Harvest in 70 to 80 days. The cool weather converts starches to sugars, creating the best flavour.
• Kamatis (Tomato) transplants establish quickly in December. Plants set in November are flowering now. Support with stakes or cages. December-established tomatoes produce their heaviest crops through January and February.
• Bell Pepper fruits develop slowly but sweetly in the cool season. Transplant into rich soil with good sun. Harvest when fruit is firm and fully coloured. Both green and sweet red varieties perform well.
• Labanos (Radish) matures in just 25 to 30 days. The fastest root vegetable for December planting. Direct sow and thin to 4 cm spacing. Add labanos to gaps between slower crops.
• Sili (Chili Pepper) grows well in December's warm days and cool nights. Transplant seedlings into sunny beds. Both labuyo and siling haba varieties produce well through the dry season.
• Spring Onion thrives in the cool dry weather. Plant from bulb sets or regrow from kitchen scraps. Harvest green tops continuously. Spring onion is essential for holiday cooking.
• Spinach grows well in December's cooler temperatures. Sow seeds in rich, moist soil with partial shade during hot afternoons. Harvest outer leaves in 30 to 40 days. True spinach bolts quickly in heat, so take full advantage of December's cool window.

Best Herbs to Plant in December

• Rosemary grows well in the dry season. Shape young plants like mini Christmas trees for festive table decorations. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Rosemary adds flavour to holiday roasts and meats.
• Basil grows steadily in December's warmth. Start from seed or cuttings. Pinch tips weekly to keep plants bushy and productive. Use fresh basil in pasta, pizza and holiday dishes.
• Parsley is established and producing by December if planted in October. Harvest outer stalks regularly. Both flat-leaf and curly varieties add freshness to holiday meals.
• Wansoy (Coriander) produces its best leaves in December's cool weather. Direct sow and harvest in 30 to 40 days. Use fresh leaves in lumpia, salads and sauces.
• Mint grows well in containers during the dry season. Water regularly to keep soil moist. Use fresh leaves for holiday beverages, desserts and garnishes.

Ornamental Plants for December

• Poinsettia is the quintessential December plant in the Philippines. Buy established plants with colourful bracts in red, pink, white or cream. Place in bright, indirect light. Avoid overwatering. Poinsettias can last through February with proper care.
• Chrysanthemum blooms in a wide range of colours perfect for holiday decorations. Choose red, gold or white varieties for a festive display. Deadhead spent flowers to extend the blooming period.
• Petunia produces cascading blooms throughout the dry season. Plant in hanging baskets, window boxes and garden borders. Available in holiday colours including red, white and pink.
• Marigold provides golden and orange blooms that add warmth to December gardens. Easy to grow from seed with blooms in 45 to 50 days. Excellent companion plant for vegetable beds.
• Sunflower planted in December blooms by February. Choose dwarf varieties for containers on patios and balconies. The cheerful flowers bring brightness to any garden space.
• Gerbera produces daisy-like flowers in vibrant colours. Prefers morning sun with afternoon shade. Keep foliage dry to prevent fungal disease. Makes excellent cut flowers for holiday arrangements.

Gardening Tasks for December

• Water consistently. December is dry with less than 100 mm of rainfall. Water deeply every 2 to 3 days. Morning watering is best. Mulch all beds with 5 to 8 cm of dried leaves or rice hull to retain moisture.
• Harvest November plantings. Pechay, lettuce and radish planted in November are ready now. Pick in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. Use fresh harvests for holiday cooking.
• Start seedlings for January transplanting. Sow tomato, eggplant, pepper and cabbage seeds in trays. These seedlings will be ready for transplanting in January, extending your productive season.
• Feed established plants. Apply balanced organic fertiliser to tomatoes, peppers and leafy greens every 2 weeks. Side-dress with compost. The cool weather allows plants to use nutrients efficiently.
• Make holiday garden gifts. Pot up herb gardens, succulents or seedling collections as gifts for family and friends. Container gardens are thoughtful, sustainable presents that keep giving.
• Plan the next year's garden. Review what worked and what failed this year. Order seeds for the coming season. Map out crop rotation plans. December's quiet evenings are perfect for garden planning.

Frequently Asked Questions