When to plant popcorn in New Mexico
New Mexico spans USDA zones 6a–8b, so the right time to plant popcorn shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about February 28 in Chaparral to May 24 in Las Vegas — below are local dates for 23 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | 7b | April 23 | October 20 | April 23 – May 7 |
| Las Cruces | 8b | March 12 | November 13 | March 12 – March 26 |
| Rio Rancho | 7b | April 8 | November 1 | April 8 – April 22 |
| Santa Fe | 6b | May 14 | October 6 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Roswell | 7b | April 13 | October 30 | April 13 – April 27 |
| Farmington | 7a | May 2 | October 13 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Hobbs | 8a | March 28 | November 10 | March 28 – April 11 |
| Clovis | 7a | April 14 | October 29 | April 14 – April 28 |
Popcorn in New Mexico: FAQ
When can I plant popcorn in New Mexico?
Across New Mexico, the time to direct-sow popcorn spans roughly February 28 in Chaparral to May 24 in Las Vegas, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the popcorn planting date vary across New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico publishes 23 cities with their own frost dates, so the right popcorn planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does popcorn take to grow in New Mexico?
Popcorn takes about 90–120 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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