Artesia, NM frost dates
How Artesia compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Artesia falls between March 27 and April 26, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 16 and November 9.
- The median last frost is 22 days earlier than the New Mexico median of May 3.
- Its 201-day growing season is longer than 79% of the 349 New Mexico places with a regular frost season (state median 164 days).
- The last frost is 6 days later than the zone 7b median of Apr 5. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 111 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 27 |
| 50% (median) | April 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 16 |
| 50% (median) | October 29 |
| 90% (late) | November 9 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Artesia, NM
Artesia, NM frost dates — last frost Apr 11, first frost Oct 29, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Artesia, NM
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Mar 14 – Apr 18 | Sep 3 – Oct 1 |
| Kale | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Broccoli | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Cabbage | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Okra | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 | May 2 – May 16 | — |
| Basil | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 7 – Apr 18 | Sep 17 – Oct 8 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 25 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 15 – Nov 19 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Artesia 6s, NM weather station, 5 km away (elevation 3,366 ft (1,026 m)).
ZIP codes in Artesia: 88210 88211
Frost dates near Artesia
- Lakewood Apr 11 · Oct 29
- Lake Arthur Apr 11 · Oct 29
- Hope Apr 1 · Nov 6
- Hagerman Mar 29 · Nov 7
- Loco Hills Apr 11 · Oct 29
- Dexter Mar 29 · Nov 7
- Carlsbad Mar 27 · Nov 7
- Maljamar Mar 28 · Nov 13
- Roswell Mar 29 · Nov 7
- Loving Mar 17 · Nov 12
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Artesia, NM?
The median last spring frost in Artesia, NM is April 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Artesia, NM?
The median first fall frost is October 29, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 16.
How long is the growing season in Artesia, NM?
About 201 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Artesia, NM?
Artesia, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.