FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in New Mexico

In a typical New Mexico location, start seeds indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16, then transplant outdoors Apr 20 – May 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Chaparral and as late as May 31 in Las Vegas.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 60–90 days

Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Peppers Planting Dates by City

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

In a typical New Mexico location, start seeds indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16, then transplant outdoors Apr 20 – May 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Chaparral and as late as May 31 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 peppers take to grow?

Peppers typically take 60–90 days from planting to harvest. Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Other Crops in New Mexico

When to plant peppers in other states

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