When to plant carrots 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). Carrot needs 60–80 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 carrots in New Mexico: the short answer
For a spring planting, sow Mar 25 – Apr 13. Seeds germinate in soil from 40 to 85°F.
Succession sow again in New Mexico: Apr 17 · May 5 · May 23
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 carrots in New Mexico, step by step
- Prepare the bed. They need 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 12 inches deep, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Dig in compost before planting.
- Sow outdoors (Mar 25 – Apr 13). Space plants about 3 inches apart in rows 12 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: carrot rust fly, wireworm, root-knot nematode, aphids. Diseases and disorders: alternaria leaf blight, cavity spot, aster yellows.
- Harvest (from about May 29 – Jun 18). Carrot takes 60-80 days to reach harvest. Never transplant. Keep the surface constantly moist for the slow 2-3 week germination - a board or burlap over the row helps. Needs loose, stone-free soil or roots fork.
Figures come from our crop data; dates use New Mexico’s average frost dates. More in the full carrot growing guide.
Carrot 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 carrot dates shift with them.
| Zone | Last frost | First frost | Season | Start indoors | Plant carrot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4 | May 10 | Sep 25 | 135 days | - | Apr 14 – May 3 |
| Zone 5 | Apr 30 | Oct 5 | 160 days | - | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Zone 6 | Apr 15 | Oct 15 | 185 days | - | Mar 20 – Apr 8 |
| Zone 7 | Apr 5 | Oct 25 | 200 days | - | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Zone 8 | Mar 20 | Nov 5 | 230 days | - | Feb 22 – Mar 13 |
| Zone 9 | Feb 20 | Nov 30 | 280 days | - | Jan 25 – Feb 13 |
When to plant carrots in nearby states
| State | Last frost | Sow |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico (this page) | April 20 | Mar 25 – Apr 13 |
| Arizona | March 15 | Feb 17 – Mar 8 |
Questions gardeners in New Mexico ask
When is the best time to plant carrots in New Mexico?
Sow carrots in New Mexico between March 25 and April 13. 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 carrots in the fall in New Mexico?
Yes. For a fall crop, sow between July 25 and August 11, so the crop matures in cool weather before New Mexico's first frost around October 20.
When will carrots planted in New Mexico be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, carrots are usually ready from about May 29 to June 18, 60-80 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.