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Can You Grow Chili Pepper in New Mexico?

US · USDA Zone 7b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 8a

Grows well here

Chili peppers thrive here — expect a productive harvest through the warm months.

Plant zones

4a–11b

New Mexico last frost

late February

New Mexico first frost

early December

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Chili Peppers in New Mexico

Start indoors

Jan 3

Transplant

Feb 28

Harvest

May 4 – May 19

Dates are approximate, based on New Mexico's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Chili Pepper

Chili peppers are drought-tolerant once established and highly productive in warm sunny conditions.

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Chilies love heat — the hotter the summer the hotter the pepper. Great for containers on south-facing balconies.

Full chili pepper growing guide →

Gardening in New Mexico

New Mexico has an arid continental climate. Albuquerque is Zone 7a; Santa Fe is Zone 6b; southern desert areas are Zone 8a-9a. Low humidity means dramatic temperature swings.

See what grows well in New Mexico →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Chili Pepper in New Mexico?

Chili peppers thrive here — expect a productive harvest through the warm months.

What zone is New Mexico?

New Mexico spans USDA Zone 7b (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 8a).

When do you plant Chili Peppers in New Mexico?

Plant Chili Peppers around late February (start indoors Jan 3), harvest May 4 – May 19.