When to Plant Beets in New Mexico
Two crops in one — eat the roots and the greens. Beets are cold-hardy and surprisingly easy.
The Short Answer
New Mexico Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of New Mexico you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern New Mexico | 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b | May 5 - May 25 | Sep 15 - Oct 5 |
| Central New Mexico (Albuquerque) | 7a, 7b | Apr 1 - Apr 20 | Oct 15 - Nov 5 |
| Southern New Mexico | 7b, 8a, 8b | Mar 15 - Apr 5 | Oct 25 - Nov 15 |
Beets Planting Schedule for New Mexico
Northern New Mexico (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b)
Average last frost: May 5 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 5
Central New Mexico (Albuquerque) (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 5
Southern New Mexico (Zones 7b, 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15
Growing Beets in New Mexico
Beets in New Mexico's Climate
Grow beets from October through January. The window is short but productive. Sandy subtropical soils grow beets with compost for nutrients. Heat causes tough, woody roots — don't attempt summer production.
Soil Considerations for New Mexico
Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Caliche layers common. Heavy amendment with compost essential. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for beets since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
New Mexico Climate & Growing Season
High desert climate. Intense sun. Low humidity. Wide temperature swings day to night. Irrigation essential. Beets can handle frost well, which is an advantage in New Mexico's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across New Mexico: Northern New Mexico (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) has a last frost around May 5 - May 25, while Southern New Mexico (7b, 8a, 8b) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 5. This difference matters for beets — but beets handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.
Growing Tips
Each beet 'seed' is actually a cluster — thin to one plant after sprouting. Harvest at 1.5-3 inches for tender roots.
Companion Planting
Plant beets alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep beets away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026