Zone 9 - What to Plant in December

Zone 9 - What to Plant in December

Now is when the main planting is happening in zone 9. The hot and humid days of summer are behind us and we can start growing the garden. With a last frost date in early February you should start growing your tomatoes, peppers and other plants indoors so they are ready to transplant in February.

The Ashe County Pimento pepper is a cherished heirloom variety with roots deeply embedded in the Appalachian region of North Carolina. Originating from Ashe County, this pepper has been cultivated since the early 20th century, known for its unique attributes and exceptional flavor. Characterized by its heart-shaped pods, the Ashe County Pimento ripens to a vibrant red hue, distinguishing it from other peppers. Its flavor is renowned for its sweet, fruity notes and low heat, making it a versatile ingredient for both fresh consumption and culinary uses like pimento cheese and stuffed peppers. The plant exhibits a compact growth habit, typically reaching about 18 to 24 inches in height, which makes it suitable for garden beds and containers. It produces an abundance of peppers that are ready for harvest in late summer to early fall. With its rich history, distinctive color, and delightful taste, the Ashe County Pimento pepper continues to be a prized addition to gardens and kitchens alike.

The Sunbright Pepper is a delicious and crispy bell pepper for home gardens. This pepper variety is a beautiful bright yellow bell pepper, with nice yields of sweet peppers. This colorful pepper is delicious and it will add a lot of color to your salads! The Sunbright is also the perfect pepper for stuffing.

A wonderful mild chile with a sweet flavor and is larger and sweeter than the Poblano pepper. The mulato has been described as tasting somewhat like chocolate or licorice, with undertones of cherry and tobacco. Its heat rating is 2,500 to 3,000 on the Scoville scale. Dry these out to create the perfect mole sauce!

The Jalapeno M Pepper is a high yielding middle of the road hot pepper. This pepper variety has an average hotness level that tastes great in many dishes. Jalapeno M has thick walls with a spicy pungent smell! Typically growing to about 3-5 inches in length, these peppers have a smooth, firm texture and a slightly curved shape. The heat level of Jalapeno M peppers typically ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units, providing a spicy kick that enhances a wide variety of dishes without being overpowering. Originating from Mexico, Jalapeno M peppers are widely used in salsas, sauces, and as toppings for nachos and other dishes. They have a fresh, grassy flavor that complements both cooked and raw preparations. Harvesting usually occurs around 70-80 days after planting, when the peppers are firm and glossy green, although they can also be left to ripen to red for a sweeter taste. These peppers thrive in warm climates and well-drained soil, making them a staple in many home gardens. Their combination of heat, flavor, and versatility has solidified Jalapeno M peppers as a beloved ingredient in kitchens around the world.

The Harvest King will produce a consistent 25-35 lb. pumpkin. This larger variety has excellent yield and quality. Almost 100% of the pumpkin yields are marketable.

Waltham 29 produces incredibly high yields for broccoli! This variety is known for its good color, cold resistance, dwarf compact plant, and big side shoots. Main heads are 4-8" with steady side shoot production after main head is harvested.

De Cicco broccoli, known for its exceptional taste, is a popular heirloom variety of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) that hails from Italy. This Italian heirloom has been cultivated for generations, making it a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. De Cicco broccoli is classified as a compact, semi-dwarf type of broccoli, and it is highly prized for its versatility in the kitchen and its relatively quick maturity. De Cicco broccoli boasts a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of nuttiness. Its tender, dark green florets are surrounded by a profusion of lush leaves. The compact plant typically reaches a height of 18-24 inches, making it suitable for smaller gardens or container growing. De Cicco is known for its relatively short days to maturity, typically taking around 48-65 days from seed sowing to harvest. This broccoli variety is characterized by its vibrant, dark green color, which is indicative of its high nutrient content. De Cicco broccoli exhibits strong disease resistance, particularly against common broccoli ailments like downy mildew and clubroot, which can be a relief for growers. When properly cared for, De Cicco broccoli can yield a bountiful harvest of small to medium-sized heads, often producing side shoots after the main head is harvested. For optimal growth, it's recommended to sow De Cicco broccoli seeds in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Plant the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spacing them about 18-24 inches apart to provide enough room for the plants to mature and thrive. Additionally, consistent watering and adequate fertilization can help ensure a successful De Cicco broccoli crop.  

Ananas Noire tomatoes, also known as “Black Pineapple” tomatoes, are a distinctive heirloom variety renowned for their rich history and unique attributes. Originating from France, this variety is celebrated for its striking appearance and complex flavor profile. The name "Ananas Noire," which translates to "Black Pineapple," reflects the fruit's unusual coloration and resemblance to a pineapple in its shape. These tomatoes mature to a deep mahogany color with greenish undertones and have a ribbed, somewhat lumpy texture. The flavor is rich and multi-dimensional, offering a balance of sweetness with tangy, smoky notes, making them a prized ingredient in gourmet dishes and salads. The plants are indeterminate, meaning they continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season, reaching about 6 to 8 feet in height. Ananas Noire tomatoes are typically harvested in late summer to early fall when they have fully ripened and their color has deepened. With their vibrant color, complex flavor, and productive growth habit, Ananas Noire tomatoes are a standout choice for both home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts.

'Mignonette' is the tastiest red alpine variety in our opinion. It has moderate production of 1" long conical shaped fruit has an aroma and taste unlike anything you've ever experienced. Not as hardy as some of the other selections so mulch well for winter in colder zones.

Wando pea seeds are a popular heirloom variety known for their cold tolerance and early harvest. They produce vibrant green, sweet-tasting peas that are perfect for fresh eating, freezing, or cooking. The seeds grow into plants that are typically 18-24 inches tall, making them ideal for small gardens or containers. Wando peas are well-suited for cooler climates, as they can withstand light frosts and thrive in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. With a quick maturation time of about 60-70 days, they are a great choice for gardeners looking to enjoy peas early in the growing season. Their resilience and ease of growth make them a favorite among both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Aspabroc broccoli seeds grow into a unique hybrid vegetable developed in the early 1990s by crossing standard broccoli with a Chinese kale-gai lan variety, resulting in what’s often called “broccolini.” This plant produces slender, tender stems topped with small, loose florets that resemble asparagus in shape, hence the name. Aspabroc is prized for its sweet, mild flavor with subtle peppery notes, making it delicious whether steamed, sautéed, stir-fried, or grilled. It thrives in cool-season conditions, preferring full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, with harvests ready in about 50–60 days after transplanting. Known for its extended harvest period, plants continue producing side shoots after the main head is cut, giving gardeners a steady supply. Its unique history, high nutritional value, and gourmet quality make Aspabroc a popular choice for home growers and chefs alike.

The Early Purple Sprouting broccoli is an heirloom broccoli bred for overwintering! This variety produces lots of beautiful purple broccoli sprouts in the spring. The Early Purple Sprouting grows slowly through the winter; very frost hardy.

The Blue Curled Scotch Kale can be used as a garnish and or in hearty winter dishes. This kale variety is a compact plant with very tender, blue-green, crinkled leaves that are quite delicious, very cold hardy, and rich in vitamin A.

Nebuka Evergreen Bunching onion seeds produce a hardy, non-bulbing variety of green onion that traces its roots to traditional Japanese gardening, where it has long been prized for its reliable, perennial growth. Known for its slender, upright stalks with crisp white bases and tender green tops, this onion thrives in a wide range of climates and can be grown year-round in mild regions. It is quick to mature, easy to grow from seed, and often multiplies by clumping, providing a steady harvest with minimal effort. The flavor is mild yet savory, less pungent than bulb onions, making it ideal for fresh use in salads, garnishes, soups, and stir-fries, while its greens can be cut repeatedly for continuous use in the kitchen. This versatile and dependable onion has earned a place in both home gardens and culinary traditions worldwide.

The Large American Flag leek is a non-bulbing leek variety that forms creamy stalks. This leek'15-18" inch stalks are 3" inches wide and are yummy! The Large American is widely adapted and the sweetest member of the onion family.

Tall Utah celery, developed in the early 20th century in Utah, is renowned for its tall, sturdy stalks and exceptional flavor. This variety features vibrant green, crisp stalks that can reach heights of 18-36 inches, making it a standout in gardens. The taste is mild and slightly sweet, perfect for fresh eating or cooking in a variety of dishes. Harvesting typically occurs 85-100 days after planting, when the stalks are firm and well-developed; gardeners can choose to cut the entire plant or selectively harvest individual stalks as needed. Tall Utah celery thrives in cool climates and requires consistent moisture, making it a favorite for both home growers and commercial producers.

The King of the North Pepper is the most reliable bell pepper for northern gardeners. These sturdy plants produce heavy yields of blocky, thick walled, 3-4 lobed peppers that ripen from green to red. This pepper variety is excellent cooked in any recipe or raw for fresh eating. King of the North is sure to be the new KING in your garden!

The Emerald Giant Pepper's sweet, juicy taste and crisp texture is a favorite among chefs and home growers! This organic bell pepper's thick flesh ranges dark-green to red. This pepper has been improved and selected for its heavy yields and disease resistance. Vigorous and prolific, the Emerald Giant's pepper plants will bear over a long season and is a wonderful choice for growing in the South. Certified Organic. Learn more about our organic seeds.