FrostCal

When to Plant Lettuce in New Mexico

In a typical New Mexico location, sow outdoors Mar 16 – Mar 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 31 in Chaparral and as late as Apr 26 in Las Vegas. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 3 – Sep 17.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 45–60 days

Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Also transplantable from indoor starts.

Lettuce Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
AlbuquerqueMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 8 – Sep 22
Las CrucesFeb 12 – Feb 26Sep 18 – Oct 2
Rio RanchoMar 11 – Mar 25Sep 6 – Sep 20
Enchanted HillsMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 28 – Sep 11
Santa FeApr 16 – Apr 30Aug 11 – Aug 25
RoswellMar 16 – Mar 30Sep 4 – Sep 18
FarmingtonApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 18 – Sep 1
South ValleyMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 29 – Sep 12
ClovisMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 3 – Sep 17
HobbsFeb 28 – Mar 14Sep 15 – Sep 29
AlamogordoFeb 9 – Feb 23Sep 23 – Oct 7
CarlsbadFeb 17 – Mar 3Sep 17 – Oct 1
GallupApr 13 – Apr 27Aug 12 – Aug 26
Sunland ParkFeb 23 – Mar 9Sep 16 – Sep 30
Los LunasMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 26 – Sep 9
ChaparralJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 25 – Oct 9
DemingMar 10 – Mar 24Sep 8 – Sep 22
Las VegasApr 26 – May 10Aug 5 – Aug 19
ArtesiaMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 3 – Sep 17
Los AlamosApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 17 – Aug 31
PortalesMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 31 – Sep 14
LovingtonFeb 28 – Mar 14Sep 18 – Oct 2
North ValleyMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 25 – Sep 8
EspanolaApr 13 – Apr 27Aug 11 – Aug 25
Silver CityMar 7 – Mar 21Sep 13 – Sep 27
AnthonyJan 31 – Feb 14Sep 25 – Oct 9
GrantsApr 19 – May 3Aug 8 – Aug 22

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 lettuce in New Mexico?

In a typical New Mexico location, sow outdoors Mar 16 – Mar 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 31 in Chaparral and as late as Apr 26 in Las Vegas. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 3 – Sep 17.

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 lettuce take to grow?

Lettuce typically take 45–60 days from planting to harvest. Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Also transplantable from indoor starts.

Other Crops in New Mexico

When to plant lettuce in other states

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