New Mexico · zones 6a–8a
When to plant basil in New Mexico.
Sow or transplant between May 11 to Jul 27 in a typical year, keyed to New Mexico's median last frost around Apr 20. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Basil dates for a typical New Mexico season.
1 · Start indoors
Mar 30 to Jun 15
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
May 11 to Jul 27
Keyed to the ~Apr 20 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 8" apart.
Harvest
~40 days later
~0.5 lb per plant over ~12 weeks.
New Mexico spans more than one climate: Zone 7 is the most common zone, but the state runs 6a to 8a. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone — mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.