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Can You Grow Bell Pepper in New Mexico?

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

Grows well here

Bell peppers grow well here with the warm season needed for full fruit development.

Plant zones

4a–11b

New Mexico last frost

late February

New Mexico first frost

early December

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Bell Peppers in New Mexico

Start indoors

Jan 3

Transplant

Feb 28

Harvest

May 9 – May 29

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

About Bell Pepper

Bell peppers need a long warm season and are highly productive once established in summer heat.

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost — peppers are slow to establish. They thrive in heat and dislike cold soil. Feed with low-nitrogen fertiliser once flowering begins.

Full bell 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 Bell Pepper in New Mexico?

Bell peppers grow well here with the warm season needed for full fruit development.

What zone is New Mexico?

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

When do you plant Bell Peppers in New Mexico?

Plant Bell Peppers around late February (start indoors Jan 3), harvest May 9 – May 29.