HomeEggplant › Grow in New Mexico

Can You Grow Eggplant in New Mexico?

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

Grows well here

Eggplant grows well here with the warm season your zone provides.

Plant zones

5a–11b

New Mexico last frost

late February

New Mexico first frost

early December

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Eggplants 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 Eggplant

Eggplant needs a long warm season and maximum heat — more demanding than tomatoes but highly productive in the right conditions.

Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost — eggplant needs a long head start. Needs hot conditions to set fruit. Use black plastic mulch to warm soil. Very productive once established in heat.

Full eggplant 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 Eggplant in New Mexico?

Eggplant grows well here with the warm season your zone provides.

What zone is New Mexico?

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

When do you plant Eggplants in New Mexico?

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