When to plant watercress in New Mexico
New Mexico spans USDA zones 6a–8b, so the right time to plant watercress shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about February 14 in Chaparral to May 10 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 9 – May 7 |
| Las Cruces | 8b | March 12 | November 13 | February 26 – March 26 |
| Rio Rancho | 7b | April 8 | November 1 | March 25 – April 22 |
| Santa Fe | 6b | May 14 | October 6 | April 30 – May 28 |
| Roswell | 7b | April 13 | October 30 | March 30 – April 27 |
| Farmington | 7a | May 2 | October 13 | April 18 – May 16 |
| Hobbs | 8a | March 28 | November 10 | March 14 – April 11 |
| Clovis | 7a | April 14 | October 29 | March 31 – April 28 |
Watercress in New Mexico: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in New Mexico?
Across New Mexico, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly February 14 in Chaparral to May 10 in Las Vegas, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico publishes 23 cities with their own frost dates, so the right watercress 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 watercress take to grow in New Mexico?
Watercress takes about 45–60 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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