When to Plant Sunflowers in New Mexico
In a typical New Mexico location, sow 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.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Sunflowers Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Las Cruces | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Rio Rancho | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Enchanted Hills | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Santa Fe | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Roswell | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Farmington | May 9 – May 23 |
| South Valley | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Clovis | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Hobbs | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Alamogordo | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Carlsbad | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Gallup | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Sunland Park | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Los Lunas | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Chaparral | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Deming | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Las Vegas | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Artesia | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Los Alamos | May 9 – May 23 |
| Portales | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Lovington | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| North Valley | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Espanola | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Silver City | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Anthony | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Grants | May 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 sunflowers in New Mexico?
In a typical New Mexico location, sow 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 sunflowers take to grow?
Sunflowers typically take 70–100 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed; taprooted, resents transplanting.
Other Crops in New Mexico
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- 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
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant sunflowers in other states