Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage in New Mexico

A satisfying crop that stores well. Plant in spring or fall for crisp, dense heads.

The Short Answer

Cabbage are cold-tolerant and do well in New Mexico's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 5 - May 25 in Northern New Mexico. New Mexico gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Caliche layers common. Heavy amendment with compost...

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

Cabbage 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

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Central New Mexico (Albuquerque) (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 5

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Southern New Mexico (Zones 7b, 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Growing Cabbage in New Mexico

Cabbage in New Mexico's Climate

Plant cabbage from October through December for winter harvest. Diamondback moth is a year-round challenge in mild climates — Bt applications are more frequent than in cold zones where winter kills pest populations. Choose varieties bred for warm-climate conditions.

Soil Considerations for New Mexico

Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Caliche layers common. Heavy amendment with compost essential.

New Mexico Climate & Growing Season

High desert climate. Intense sun. Low humidity. Wide temperature swings day to night. Irrigation essential. Cabbage 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 cabbage — but cabbage handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.

Growing Tips

Consistent watering prevents head splitting. Heads can handle light frost — it actually improves flavor.

Companion Planting

Plant cabbage alongside these companions for better growth:

Beets Celery Onions Dill

Keep cabbage away from:

Strawberries Tomatoes

The Bottom Line

Cabbage can be grown successfully across New Mexico, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern New Mexico gardeners should plan around a May 5 - May 25 last frost, while those in Southern New Mexico can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Cabbage Growing Guide National planting guide with all states New Mexico Planting Calendar All plants for New Mexico Cabbage in Alabama Alabama planting dates Cabbage in Alaska Alaska planting dates Cabbage in Arizona Arizona planting dates Cabbage in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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