When to plant sunflower in New Mexico
New Mexico spans USDA zones 6a–8b, so the right time to plant sunflower 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 14 |
| Las Cruces | 8b | March 12 | November 13 | March 12 – April 2 |
| Rio Rancho | 7b | April 8 | November 1 | April 8 – April 29 |
| Santa Fe | 6b | May 14 | October 6 | May 14 – June 4 |
| Roswell | 7b | April 13 | October 30 | April 13 – May 4 |
| Farmington | 7a | May 2 | October 13 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Hobbs | 8a | March 28 | November 10 | March 28 – April 18 |
| Clovis | 7a | April 14 | October 29 | April 14 – May 5 |
Sunflower in New Mexico: FAQ
When can I plant sunflower in New Mexico?
Across New Mexico, the time to direct-sow sunflower spans roughly February 28 in Chaparral to May 24 in Las Vegas, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the sunflower planting date vary across New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico publishes 23 cities with their own frost dates, so the right sunflower 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 sunflower take to grow in New Mexico?
Sunflower takes about 70–100 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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