New Mexico Planting Zones & Schedule

New Mexico’s USDA growing zones range from Zone 5 to Zone 8, depending on where you are in the state. Most major cities in New Mexico fall between Zones 6b and 8b while some of the mountainous regions to the north, like Taos and Tierra Amarilla, are in Zone 5a or 5b.

Most of southern New Mexico is in Zone 8, which is ideal for warm-weather crops like tomatoes, peppers, and corn. The rest of the state ranges from Zone 6 to Zone 7 where warm-weather crops should be started early indoors and cool-weather crops can be direct-sown in spring.

 

New Mexico Last & First Frost Dates

  • *Keep in mind that frost can occur before or after these dates. Watch your local weather to determine the best time to plant.

  • The growing season in New Mexico lasts an average of 150 days statewide but is often much longer in the southernmost part of the state. Refer to the planting schedules below to determine the best timing for your zone.

Zone 5 Planting Schedule

Zone 6 Planting Schedule

Zone 7 Planting Schedule

Zone 8 Planting Schedule