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.
Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Eggplant Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Las Cruces | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Rio Rancho | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Enchanted Hills | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Santa Fe | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Roswell | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Farmington | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | May 16 – May 23 |
| South Valley | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Clovis | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Hobbs | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Alamogordo | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Carlsbad | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
| Gallup | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Sunland Park | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Los Lunas | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Chaparral | Dec 20 – Jan 3 | Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Deming | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Las Vegas | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Jun 7 – Jun 14 |
| Artesia | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Los Alamos | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Portales | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Lovington | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| North Valley | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Espanola | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Silver City | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Anthony | Dec 20 – Jan 3 | Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Grants | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 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
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant eggplant in other states