What to plant in February in New Mexico
In New Mexico (NM), February sits about 9 weeks before the average last frost (April 20). The state averages 183 frost-free days a year (last frost April 20, first frost October 20; USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9a).
24 crops have a sowing or planting window this month - and 1 of those windows close during February.
Dates here come from New Mexico frost dates (last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, eggplant or bell pepper in New Mexico.
New Mexico covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
New Mexico: planting activity through the year
Last chance in February
Celeriac (start seeds indoors, by Feb 9)
Start seeds indoors in February (24)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celeriac | Start seeds indoors | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Last chance - ends Feb 9 |
| Celery | Start seeds indoors | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Leek | Start seeds indoors | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Onion | Start seeds indoors | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Rosemary | Start seeds indoors | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Parsley | Start seeds indoors | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Shallot | Start seeds indoors | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Bell Pepper | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 16 |
| Chili Pepper | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 16 |
| Ginger | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 16 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 16 |
| Mint | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 16 |
| Oregano | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 16 |
| Sage | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 16 |
| Tarragon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 16 |
| Thyme | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 16 |
| Turmeric | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 16 |
| Ground Cherry | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 23 |
| Lemon Balm | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 23 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 23 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 23 |
| Tomatillo | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 23 |
| Tomato | Start seeds indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 23 |
Planting dates for popular crops in New Mexico
Every crop has its own full-year dates for New Mexico: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Seed-starting season: February garden jobs in New Mexico
- Start 24 crops indoors this month, including celeriac, celery, leek, onion. Use a sterile mix and good light - see starting seeds indoors.
- 9 weeks until the average last frost (April 20). The seed-starting calculator works out each crop's exact sowing date from it.
- Keep seedlings from stretching: lights 2-3 inches above the leaves for 14-16 hours a day, and a fan or a daily brush of the hand across the tops.
- Prepare beds as soon as the soil crumbles instead of smearing when squeezed - working wet soil ruins its structure for the season.
USDA zone chart for New Mexico
New Mexico spans USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in New Mexico in February?
24 crops have a window in February: celeriac, celery, leek, onion, rosemary, eggplant, parsley, shallot, bell pepper, chili pepper and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in New Mexico in February?
No - start seeds indoors runs Feb 23 – Mar 9 in New Mexico.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in New Mexico in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In New Mexico the next lettuce window opens around March 16: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in New Mexico?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 20. New Mexico covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in February in New Mexico?
Celeriac (Jan 26 – Feb 9), Celery (Feb 2 – Feb 16), Leek (Feb 2 – Feb 16), Onion (Feb 2 – Feb 16), Rosemary (Feb 2 – Feb 16), Eggplant (Feb 9 – Feb 23), Parsley (Feb 9 – Feb 23), Shallot (Feb 9 – Feb 23), Bell Pepper (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Chili Pepper (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Ginger (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Green Onion / Scallion (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Mint (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Oregano (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Sage (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Tarragon (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Thyme (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Turmeric (Feb 16 – Mar 2), Ground Cherry (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Lemon Balm (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Shiso (Perilla) (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Sweet Marjoram (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Tomatillo (Feb 23 – Mar 9), Tomato (Feb 23 – Mar 9).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from New Mexico’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.