When to Plant Eggplant in New Mexico

In a typical New Mexico location, start seeds indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16, then transplant outdoors Apr 27 – May 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 14 in Chaparral and as late as Jun 7 in Las Vegas.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 65–85 days

Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.

Eggplant Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
AlbuquerqueJan 26 – Feb 9Apr 20 – Apr 27
Las CrucesJan 1 – Jan 15Mar 26 – Apr 2
Rio RanchoJan 28 – Feb 11Apr 22 – Apr 29
Enchanted HillsFeb 5 – Feb 19Apr 30 – May 7
Santa FeMar 5 – Mar 19May 28 – Jun 4
RoswellFeb 2 – Feb 16Apr 27 – May 4
FarmingtonFeb 21 – Mar 7May 16 – May 23
South ValleyFeb 7 – Feb 21May 2 – May 9
ClovisFeb 3 – Feb 17Apr 28 – May 5
HobbsJan 17 – Jan 31Apr 11 – Apr 18
AlamogordoDec 29 – Jan 12Mar 23 – Mar 30
CarlsbadJan 6 – Jan 20Mar 31 – Apr 7
GallupMar 2 – Mar 16May 25 – Jun 1
Sunland ParkJan 12 – Jan 26Apr 6 – Apr 13
Los LunasFeb 12 – Feb 26May 7 – May 14
ChaparralDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 14 – Mar 21
DemingJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
Las VegasMar 15 – Mar 29Jun 7 – Jun 14
ArtesiaJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 25 – May 2
Los AlamosFeb 21 – Mar 7May 16 – May 23
PortalesFeb 4 – Feb 18Apr 29 – May 6
LovingtonJan 17 – Jan 31Apr 11 – Apr 18
North ValleyFeb 12 – Feb 26May 7 – May 14
EspanolaMar 2 – Mar 16May 25 – Jun 1
Silver CityJan 24 – Feb 7Apr 18 – Apr 25
AnthonyDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 14 – Mar 21
GrantsMar 8 – Mar 22May 31 – Jun 7

Showing the 27 most populous of 27 New Mexico cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all New Mexico cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant eggplant in New Mexico?

In a typical New Mexico location, start seeds indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16, then transplant outdoors Apr 27 – May 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 14 in Chaparral and as late as Jun 7 in Las Vegas.

When is the last frost in New Mexico?

The average last spring frost in New Mexico ranges from February 28 in Chaparral to May 24 in Las Vegas, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do eggplant take to grow?

Eggplant typically take 65–85 days from planting to harvest. Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.

Other Crops in New Mexico

When to plant eggplant in other states

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