New Mexico’s planting zones range from 5a to 8b. The coldest areas are in the northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The warmest area is in the White Sands area just north of the Mexico border.
The planting zones, also called growing zones or hardiness zones, help gardeners and growers determine which plants are best suited for their location. Most of New Mexico’s largest towns and cities are between 6b and 8b, including Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, and Hobbs.
Key takeaways
- New Mexico’s growing zones range from 5a to 8b. The coldest areas are in the northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The warmest area is in the White Sands.
- Most of New Mexico’s most populous towns and cities are between 6b and 8b, including Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, and Hobbs.
Table of contents
Planting zones in New Mexico
New Mexico’s planting zones range from 5a to 8b. Zone 5a is in small pockets in the northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, primarily by Ute Mountain. 8b is in south-central New Mexico, including The White Sands National Park.
The USDA explains, “The Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) is based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, displayed as 10-degree F zones ranging from zone 1 (coldest) to zone 13 (warmest).” Each zone is divided into half zones designated as ‘a’ (colder) and ‘b’ (warmer) and there is a 5-degree difference between the two.
As the fifth largest state in land mass, it’s not surprising that there are so many hardiness zones. Here are the most populous cities in The Land of Enchantment and their hardiness zones.
- Albuquerque/Rio Rancho: 7b
- Las Cruces: 8b
- Santa Fe: 6b
- Roswell: 7b
- Farmington: 7a
- Hobbs: 8a
Below, we’ve included some perennials suited for each hardiness zone, but many of these plants are suitable for multiple regions. For more information, check out our article about New Mexico Native Plants for Your Landscape.
For more region-specific information, check out:
Zone 5
In New Mexico, zone 5 is in the northern areas of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains and the Black Range, west of the Rio Grande. Cities and towns in Zone 5 include Taos, Tiera Amarilla, and parts of Cibola and Catron Counties.
Average low temperature: 5a is -20 to -15 degrees; 5b is -15 to -10 degrees
Average first frost: Oct. 13 to 21
Average last frost: April 7 to 30
Zone 5 plant types: Choose cold-hardy, drought-tolerant plants that can handle cold winter temperatures, warm summers, and high altitudes.
Zone 5 perennials: Common yarrow, western red columbine, Colorado blue columbine, shooting star, purple geranium, and narrow goldenrod.
Zone 6
Zone 6 is in the foothills of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Black Range. It covers the majority of the northeastern and north-central regions as well as the central western part of the state. Cities and towns in Zone 6 include Santa Fe, Clayton, Grants, and Reserve.
Average low temperature: 6a is -10 to -5 degrees; 6b is -5 to 0 degrees
Average first frost: Oct. 17 to 31
Average last frost: April 1 to 21
Zone 6 plant types: Choose plants that tolerate chilly winters, warm summers, and low rainfall.
Zone 6 perennials: Hairy golden aster, antelope sage, chocolate daisy, blackfoot daisy, and bee blossom.
Zone 7
Zone 7 in New Mexico is in northwest New Mexico, near the Colorado Plateau, central New Mexico, along the Rio Grande Valley, and the east, by the Great Plains. Cities and towns in Zone 7 include Roswell, Farmington, and Albuquerque.
Average low temperature: 7a is 0 to 5 degrees; 7b is 5 to 10 degrees
Average first frost: Oct. 29 to Nov. 15
Average last frost: March 22 to April 3
Zone 7 plant types: Select plants that tolerate cool winters, hot summers, and low to moderate rainfall.
Zone 7 perennials: Desert willow, cardinal flower, flax, azure blue sage, and African marigold.
Zone 8
Zone 8 coincides with The Chihuahuan Desert and covers most of southern New Mexico. Cities in Zone 8 include Las Cruces, Deming, and Carlsbad. It also includes White Sands National Park.
Average low temperature: 8a is 10 to 15 degrees; 5b is 15 to 20 degrees
Average first frost: Nov. 7 to 28
Average last frost: March 13 to 28
Zone 8 plant types: Select drought-tolerant plants that tolerate mild winters, scorching summers, little rainfall, and well-drained soil.
Zone 8 perennials: Texas ranger, common sunflower, common zinnia, ocotillo, and peacock flower.
Related links:
- When to Plant Grass in New Mexico
- The Best Grass for New Mexico Lawns
Should I hire a professional?
Landscaping and lawn care are relatively easy but also time-consuming and laborious. That’s why many New Mexicans are looking to professionals for help. Finding someone reliable seems impossible, but Lawn Love can help. We’ll connect you with an experienced pro who will have your yard looking spectacular while you enjoy your weekend.
Main Image Credit: John Phelan | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0
