FrostCal

When to Plant Watermelon in New Mexico

In a typical New Mexico location, start seeds indoors Mar 16 – Mar 23, 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 70–90 days

Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.

Watermelon Planting Dates by City

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

In a typical New Mexico location, start seeds indoors Mar 16 – Mar 23, 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 watermelon take to grow?

Watermelon typically take 70–90 days from planting to harvest. Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.

Other Crops in New Mexico

When to plant watermelon in other states

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