Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in New Mexico

One of the earliest crops you can plant. Kids love picking and eating them right off the vine.

The Short Answer

Peas are cold-tolerant and do well in New Mexico's humid climate. You can direct sow 6 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

Peas 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

Direct Sow
6 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

Direct Sow
6 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

Direct Sow
6 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Peas in New Mexico

Peas in New Mexico's Climate

Garden peas need the coolest part of your year. Sow from November through January. Choose earliest-maturing varieties (50-55 days) to maximize production before warmth arrives. Southern peas replace garden peas for the rest of the year.

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. Peas 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 peas — but peas handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.

Growing Tips

Direct sow as early as the soil can be worked. Inoculate with rhizobium for bigger harvests. Provide a trellis for climbing varieties.

Companion Planting

Plant peas alongside these companions for better growth:

Carrots Radishes Corn Cucumbers

Keep peas away from:

Onions Garlic

The Bottom Line

Peas 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

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