When to Plant Asparagus in New Mexico
Published: April 24, 2026
New Mexico gardeners in Zone 7a have a 35-week growing season for asparagus (March 15 to November 15). New Mexico's spring and fall windows both work well for asparagus — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for New Mexico based on your local frost calendar.
Asparagus Planting Dates for New Mexico
| Start seeds indoors | Year-round |
| Last frost (average) | March 15 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 15–25 |
| Expect first harvest | February 15 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 15 |
Dates above assume Zone 7a, the most common zone in New Mexico. Gardeners in cooler Albuquerque (Zone 7a) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Las Cruces (Zone 8a) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
⚠ Plant asparagus crowns in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Plant once, harvest for 20+ years. Do not harvest first year — allow ferns to establish. Light harvest year 2, full harvest from year 3 onward.
Growing Asparagus in New Mexico's Climate
New Mexico's moderate Zone 7a climate is well-suited to asparagus with minimal special accommodation. The standard transplant calendar works as written, and harvest windows line up with what seed packets recommend without adjustment.
Succession planting extends your asparagus harvest significantly in New Mexico. A second planting 3 to 4 weeks after the first gives you a backup in case of pest pressure and extends the total harvest window into early fall.
Common asparagus pests to watch for in New Mexico include Asparagus Beetle and Fusarium Wilt. The first line of defense is companion planting: Tomato and Basil planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Asparagus Garden Calendar for New Mexico
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | Dormant season |
| February | Direct sow seeds | Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 18 inches apart |
| March | — | Dormant season |
| April | — | Dormant season |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | — | Dormant season |
| September | — | Dormant season |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining asparagus; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Asparagus Growing Tips for New Mexico Gardeners
- •Plant one-year-old crowns in trenches 6–8 inches deep, spread roots out, and backfill gradually as ferns grow.
- •Never harvest any spears the first year; allow ferns to develop and feed the crown for year-2 production.
- •New Mexico's moderate climate supports succession planting — sow new transplants or seeds every 3 weeks during spring to extend the harvest window into fall.
- •Cut back dead ferns in late fall and mulch heavily with 4–6 inches of compost or straw before winter.
Companion Planting for Asparagus in New Mexico
In New Mexico's moderate climate, planting asparagus with Tomato and Basil helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Onion and Garlic, which inhibit asparagus growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full asparagus companion planting guide for the complete list.
Asparagus Planting Dates by City in New Mexico
Top cities in New Mexico — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant asparagus in New Mexico?
In New Mexico (Zone 7a), start asparagus seeds indoors around Year-round and transplant outdoors around null — 4 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 15.
What is the last frost date in New Mexico?
New Mexico's average last frost date is March 15 in the state's most common Zone 7a. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow asparagus year-round in New Mexico?
asparagus is a cool-season crop in New Mexico, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What asparagus varieties grow best in New Mexico?
For New Mexico's Zone 7a, consult a local nursery or extension office for asparagus variety recommendations.
When do I start asparagus seeds indoors in New Mexico?
Asparagus does not need indoor starting in New Mexico — direct sow around February 15–25 once soil reaches 50°F. Indoor starting is not recommended for this crop because asparagus transplants poorly.