What to Plant in December, Canberra & ACT
33 crops you can sow in December across Canberra & ACT.
In Season This Month
Fruiting (9)
Fruit (7)
Herb (5)
Leafy (4)
Micro (4)
Mushroom (2)
Flower (1)
Root (1)
All December Crops at a Glance
| Plant | Category | Harvest | Spacing | Companions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Amaranth | Leafy | 30d | 30cm | Corn, Onion |
 Bay Laurel | Herb | 365d | 200cm | — |
 Broccoli Sprouts | Micro | 7d | 1cm | — |
 Chives | Herb | 75d | 15cm | Carrot, Tomato |
 Cucumber | Fruiting | 60d | 50cm | Beans, Corn, Nasturtium |
 Jaboticaba | Fruit | 2555d | 400cm | Tropical fruit trees |
 Lemon Verbena | Herb | 90d | 100cm | Tomato, Beans |
 Lettuce | Leafy | 55d | 25cm | Carrot, Radish, Chives |
 Loquat | Fruit | 1095d | 400cm | Fruit trees |
 Luffa | Fruiting | 120d | 150cm | Beans, Corn |
 Mandarin | Fruit | 1095d | 400cm | Nasturtium, Marigold |
 Midyim Berry | Fruit | 365d | 100cm | Native plants, Lemon myrtle |
 Oyster Mushroom | Mushroom | 21d | — | — |
 Parsley | Herb | 80d | 20cm | Tomato, Carrot |
 Passionfruit | Fruit | 400d | 200cm | — |
 Pea Shoots | Micro | 12d | 1cm | — |
 Pigface | Leafy | 60d | 40cm | — |
 Pineapple | Fruit | 540d | 60cm | — |
 Popcorn | Fruiting | 120d | 30cm | Beans, Pumpkin, Lettuce |
 Pumpkin | Fruiting | 120d | 150cm | Corn, Beans, Nasturtium |
 Quinoa | Fruiting | 120d | 30cm | Corn, Beans |
 Radish Sprouts | Micro | 8d | 1cm | — |
 Rockmelon | Fruiting | 85d | 100cm | Corn, Nasturtium |
 Shiitake | Mushroom | 60d | — | — |
 Silverbeet | Leafy | 60d | 30cm | Beans, Onion, Lettuce |
 Stevia | Herb | 90d | 30cm | Herbs |
 Sunflower | Flower | 80d | 50cm | Cucumber, Corn, Tomato |
 Sunflower Microgreens | Micro | 10d | 1cm | — |
 Sweet Corn | Fruiting | 90d | 30cm | Beans, Pumpkin, Zucchini |
 Sweet Potato | Root | 150d | 50cm | Beans, Corn, Marigold |
 Tamarillo | Fruit | 540d | 300cm | — |
 Watermelon | Fruiting | 90d | 150cm | Corn, Nasturtium |
 Zucchini | Fruiting | 60d | 80cm | Nasturtium, Corn, Beans |
Print the December calendar
One-page A4 landscape PDF with every December crop for Canberra & ACT.
Download PDF →Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables can I plant in December in Canberra?
December in Canberra is summer, so focus on crops suited to cool continental conditions at this time of year. Check the full planting list above for every vegetable, herb, and fruit you can sow or transplant this month, with spacing and harvest timing included.
How do I keep my Canberra garden alive in the December heat?
Water deeply in the early morning before the heat sets in. Mulch beds 8 to 10 centimetres deep to retain moisture and cool the soil. Use shade cloth (30 to 50 percent) over leafy greens and lettuce. Prioritise heat-tolerant crops like sweet potato, okra, and beans.
How often should I water my vegetable garden in December in Canberra?
Watering frequency depends on your soil type and weather. In December in Canberra, check the soil moisture by pushing your finger 5 centimetres into the soil. If it feels dry, water deeply. Mulch reduces watering needs significantly. Most vegetable gardens need deep watering two to three times per week rather than light daily sprinkles.
When is the last frost in Canberra and how does that affect December planting?
Canberra's last frost typically falls in mid to late October, though frost can occur into November in some years. In December, plan your planting around this date. Frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes, basil, and beans should wait until frost risk has passed. Use frost cloth to protect early plantings.