01 - Indoors & Orchard

House Plants

Most outdoor house plants remain dormant during December. Plants such as Ixora, Gardenia, and Hydrangea should stay protected from frost and cold winds.

Water only when the soil feels dry. During peak winter, most plants need watering only once every 10 days. A diluted liquid feed made from fermented cow dung helps plants tolerate the cold more comfortably.

02 - Indoor Plants

Protect indoor plants from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. Most indoor plants struggle when exposed to warm heaters during the day and cold air at night. Keeping room temperatures steady is the best way to maintain healthy foliage through winter.

03 - Roses, Dahlias & Chrysanthemums

Roses continue flowering beautifully this month. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage fresh blooms.

Dahlias require full sunlight and rich, well-drained soil enriched with gobar manure, neem khali, bone meal, and leaf compost.

Chrysanthemums will be in full bloom and can be displayed according to colour and size.

04 - Bulbous Plants

Bulbs require very little attention once planted. Since bulbs store their own moisture, water lightly in the beginning.

Feed each pot with:

• 2 tbsp neem khali
• 1 tbsp bone meal
• ½ tsp DAP
• ¼ tsp single super phosphate

Once flowering begins, regular watering is necessary.

05 - Vegetables

Radish, lettuce, coriander, beetroot, knol khol, zucchini, peas, spinach, and turnip can all be sown this month.

Seedlings of brinjal, capsicum, and tomatoes can also be transplanted into prepared beds.

06 - Seasonal Flowers

Winter annuals can continue to be planted through December.

For sunny spots: Petunias, Dianthus, Dahlias, Sweet Peas, Calendulas, Poppies, Lupins, Cornflowers, and Larkspur.

For shaded spaces: Cineraria, Salvia, and Impatiens grow beautifully. Impatiens are best bought as seedlings.

You can also plant Antirrhinum, Hollyhock, Marigold, Pansy, Phlox, Verbena, and Carnations.

Desi seedlings, especially Salvia and Cineraria, are available at Sunder Nursery.

First feed after 15–20 days of planting:

• Neem khali and bone meal in the ratio 2:1

Second feed after another 15 days:

• Neem khali : bone meal : DAP in the ratio 2:1:0.5

Third feed when buds begin showing colour:

• 2.5 kg neem khali
• 1.5 kg bone meal
• 0.5 kg DAP
• 250 g potash

07 - Herbs

Celery, parsley, rocket, oregano, chives, basil, and thyme thrive in Delhi winters.

Ready herb plants in polybags establish quickly in terracotta pots. Celery bought with roots attached can easily be replanted into soil for a continuous harvest.

Protect Tulsi plants carefully from frost by placing them in sunny locations during the day and covering them at night.

08 - Lawns & Hedges

Remove frost from lawns every morning by lightly sprinkling water or gently washing the frost away.

Water deeply only once every 2–3 days during winter.

09 - Succulents

This is a good month to repot, divide, or refresh succulents with fresh potting mix.

Most succulents struggle indoors in Delhi winters, except Sansevieria and Zebra Haworthia, which adapt well to indoor conditions.