When to plant tulip bulbs in New Mexico

Fall planting in Albuquerque

Oct 6–Nov 10

Across New Mexico the window opens between September 22 and November 4. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Albuquerque: Oct 6–Nov 10
Last frost, Albuquerque: Apr 23

Plant from 2 weeks before to 3 weeks after the first fall frost. Plant once the soil has cooled below 60°F. Bulbs need 12–14 weeks of cold to flower in spring.

Tulip bulbs planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

AlbuquerqueOct 6–Nov 10

Las CrucesOct 30–Dec 4

Rio RanchoOct 18–Nov 22

Santa FeSep 22–Oct 27

RoswellOct 16–Nov 20

FarmingtonSep 29–Nov 3

HobbsOct 27–Dec 1

ClovisOct 15–Nov 19

South ValleyOct 10–Nov 14

CarlsbadOct 29–Dec 3

AlamogordoNov 4–Dec 9

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in New Mexico?

In Albuquerque, fall planting from October 6 to November 10. Across New Mexico the window opens between September 22 and November 4, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Plant from 2 weeks before to 3 weeks after the first fall frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.