Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Lettuce in New Mexico

Fast-growing and forgiving. Plant in spring and fall for a nearly year-round supply of fresh salad greens.

The Short Answer

Lettuce 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

Lettuce 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
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 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
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 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
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Lettuce in New Mexico

Lettuce in New Mexico's Climate

Grow lettuce from November through February only. The window is narrow but productive — your mild winter temperatures are actually ideal for lettuce without any frost protection. Plant heat-tolerant varieties like Jericho and Nevada. For summer greens, switch to tropical heat-tolerant alternatives like Malabar spinach and sweet potato greens.

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.

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 lettuce — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. Shade cloth extends the season into warmer months.

Companion Planting

Plant lettuce alongside these companions for better growth:

Carrots Radishes Strawberries Chives

The Bottom Line

Lettuce 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

Lettuce Growing Guide National planting guide with all states New Mexico Planting Calendar All plants for New Mexico Lettuce in Alabama Alabama planting dates Lettuce in Alaska Alaska planting dates Lettuce in Arizona Arizona planting dates Lettuce 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates