Maxwell, NM frost dates
Last spring frostMay 17median date
First fall frostOct 1median date
Growing season137 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone6aZone 6a
How Maxwell compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Maxwell falls between May 4 and May 31, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 20 and October 11.
- The median last frost is 14 days later than the New Mexico median of May 3.
- Its 137-day growing season is longer than 21% of the 349 New Mexico places with a regular frost season (state median 164 days).
- The last frost is 18 days later than the zone 6a median of Apr 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 189 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 4 |
| 50% (median) | May 17 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 31 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 20 |
| 50% (median) | October 1 |
| 90% (late) | October 11 |
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 Maxwell, NM
Maxwell, NM frost dates — last frost May 17, first frost Oct 1, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 22 to Mar 8Transplant outside: Apr 19 to May 3
Start indoors: Mar 8 to Mar 22Transplant outside: May 31 to Jun 14
Start indoors: Mar 8 to Mar 22Transplant outside: May 31 to Jun 14
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: May 24 to Jun 7
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: Apr 26 to May 10Sow outdoors: Apr 19 to May 24Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Sep 3
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: Apr 19 to May 3Sow outdoors: Apr 19 to May 3Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 13
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: May 3 to May 17Plant for fall: Jun 25 to Jul 16
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: Apr 26 to May 10Plant for fall: Jun 25 to Jul 16
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: May 3 to May 17Plant for fall: Jun 25 to Jul 16
Start indoors: Apr 5 to Apr 19Transplant outside: Jun 7 to Jun 21Sow outdoors: Jun 7 to Jun 21
Start indoors: Apr 5 to Apr 19Transplant outside: May 24 to Jun 7
Sow outdoors: Apr 5 to Apr 26Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 30
Sow outdoors: Apr 5 to Apr 26Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 27
Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to May 24Plant for fall: Aug 20 to Sep 10
Start indoors: Apr 19 to Apr 26Transplant outside: May 31 to Jun 7Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 7Plant for fall: Jul 16 to Jul 30
Start indoors: Apr 19 to Apr 26Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 7Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Start indoors: Apr 19 to Apr 26Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 7
Start indoors: Apr 19 to Apr 26Transplant outside: May 31 to Jun 14
Sow outdoors: Apr 26 to May 24Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 23
Sow outdoors: Apr 26 to May 24Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Sow outdoors: Apr 26 to May 17
Sow outdoors: May 3 to May 31Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Sow outdoors: May 3 to May 24Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 27
Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 14Plant for fall: Jul 16 to Jul 30
Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 7
Transplant outside: May 31 to Jun 21
Plant for fall: Sep 17 to Oct 22
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Maxwell, NM
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Apr 26 – May 10 | Apr 19 – May 24 | Aug 6 – Sep 3 |
| Kale | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Apr 19 – May 3 | Apr 19 – May 3 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Broccoli | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 3 – May 17 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cabbage | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 3 – May 17 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Okra | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — |
| Basil | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 12 – May 24 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | May 31 – Jun 7 | May 24 – Jun 7 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | — | May 24 – Jun 7 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | — | May 24 – Jun 7 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 26 – May 24 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 26 – May 24 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 26 – May 17 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 3 – May 31 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 3 – May 24 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 24 – Jun 14 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 24 – Jun 7 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 31 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 17 – Oct 22 |
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 Maxwell 3 Nw, NM weather station, 4 km away (elevation 6,017 ft (1,834 m)).
Frost dates near Maxwell
- Springer Apr 30 · Oct 11
- Miami Apr 30 · Oct 11
- Raton May 19 · Sep 29
- Cimarron May 11 · Oct 3
- Ute Park Jun 16 · Sep 14
- Mills Apr 30 · Oct 15
- Capulin May 17 · Oct 1
- Gladstone May 5 · Oct 7
- Angel Fire Jun 18 · Sep 8
- Wagon Mound May 18 · Oct 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Maxwell, NM?
The median last spring frost in Maxwell, NM is May 17. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 31, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Maxwell, NM?
The median first fall frost is October 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 20.
How long is the growing season in Maxwell, NM?
About 137 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Maxwell, NM?
Maxwell, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.