Española, NM planting zone & frost dates
Española is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 11 and the first fall frost around October 6, for a growing season of about 149 days.
Planting calendar for Española
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 11) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 Transplant outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 Transplant outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 6).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 28 | May 11 | May 26 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 19 | Oct 6 | Sep 25 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 26, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 25. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 30.
Nearby cities
- Los Alamos zone 7a, last frost May 2
- Santa Fe zone 6b, last frost May 14
- Enchanted Hills zone 7b, last frost Apr 16
- Rio Rancho zone 7b, last frost Apr 8
- North Valley zone 7b, last frost Apr 23
- Albuquerque zone 7b, last frost Apr 6
- South Valley zone 7b, last frost Apr 18
- Los Lunas zone 7b, last frost Apr 23
Questions
What growing zone is Española, NM?
Española is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Española?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Española is May 11. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 26.
When can I plant tomatoes in Española?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 18 – May 25. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Espanola, NM (USC00293031), 2.1 km (1.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 1713 m, based on 19 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.