When to plant arugula in New Mexico
New Mexico’s average last spring frost is April 20, and the first fall frost typically arrives around October 20 — about 183 frost-free days (USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9a). Arugula needs 30–40 days to mature, which fits comfortably within New Mexico's growing season.
New Mexico covers a wide range of climates, so your exact frost dates may differ from the state average by two weeks or more. For dates tuned to your town, use the calendar generator.
When to plant arugula in New Mexico: the short answer
For a spring planting, sow Mar 18 – Apr 6. Seeds germinate in soil from 40 to 75°F.
Succession sow again in New Mexico: Apr 4 · Apr 16 · Apr 28 · May 10 · May 22
Spring succession stops before summer heat makes it bolt. Start sowing again in late summer for a fall crop (see the fall window above).
Windows are ~1–2 week bands around each date. Frost dates are a statewide average from NOAA/NCEI normals; your town may differ by two weeks or more. Calendar year 2026.
How to grow arugula in New Mexico, step by step
- Prepare the bed. It needs six or more hours of sun for the best growth, though four to six hours in partial shade is enough and loose soil at least 8 inches deep, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Dig in compost before planting.
- Sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 6). Space plants about 4 inches apart in rows 10 inches apart, sowing seed ¼ inch deep. It handles frost well, so it can go out before the last frost date. As a cool-season crop it does best before summer heat arrives in New Mexico.
- Water and feed. Give it steady, even moisture, about an inch of water a week from rain or the hose.
- Watch for pests and problems. Pests: flea beetle, aphids, cabbage worm. Diseases and disorders: downy mildew, white rust.
- Harvest (from about Apr 22 – May 2). Arugula takes 30-40 days to reach harvest. One of the fastest crops - baby leaves in about 3 weeks. Turns sharp and bitter and bolts in heat, so it is a spring/fall green. Flea beetles love it; grow under mesh.
Figures come from our crop data; dates use New Mexico’s average frost dates. More in the full arugula growing guide.
Arugula planting dates by USDA zone in 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, so the arugula dates shift with them.
| Zone | Last frost | First frost | Season | Start indoors | Plant arugula |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4 | May 10 | Sep 25 | 135 days | - | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Zone 5 | Apr 30 | Oct 5 | 160 days | - | Mar 28 – Apr 16 |
| Zone 6 | Apr 15 | Oct 15 | 185 days | - | Mar 13 – Apr 1 |
| Zone 7 | Apr 5 | Oct 25 | 200 days | - | Mar 3 – Mar 22 |
| Zone 8 | Mar 20 | Nov 5 | 230 days | - | Feb 15 – Mar 6 |
| Zone 9 | Feb 20 | Nov 30 | 280 days | - | Jan 18 – Feb 6 |
When to plant arugula in nearby states
| State | Last frost | Sow |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico (this page) | April 20 | Mar 18 – Apr 6 |
| Arizona | March 15 | Feb 10 – Mar 1 |
Questions gardeners in New Mexico ask
When is the best time to plant arugula in New Mexico?
Sow arugula in New Mexico between March 18 and April 6. That timing is set by New Mexico's average last spring frost of April 20; New Mexico spans several climates, so cooler and higher parts of the state run later.
Can I plant arugula in the fall in New Mexico?
Yes. For a fall crop, sow between August 29 and September 15, so the crop matures in cool weather before New Mexico's first frost around October 20.
When will arugula planted in New Mexico be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, arugula is usually ready from about April 22 to May 2, 30-40 days after sowing.
When is the last frost in New Mexico?
On average around April 20, with the first fall frost around October 20 - about 183 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.