When to Plant Broccoli in New Mexico

Optimal Planting Times for Planting Broccoli in New Mexico

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Spring Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	January 15 – February 15
	Transplant Outdoors	March 15 – April 15
	Direct Sowing	February 1 – March 1
Fall Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	July 1 – August 1
	Transplant Outdoors	August 15 – September 15
	Direct Sowing	August 1 – September 1

Planting Conditions

New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zones 4b to 9a, with diverse climates ranging from arid desert to high mountain regions. Spring and fall are ideal seasons for broccoli planting, but timing can vary based on local conditions.

---

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Useful Tools for Starting Broccoli Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your broccoli the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.

Browse Broccoli Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Garden Tools and Fertilizer

Garden Trowel

A garden trowel is a handy tool that makes transplanting your seedlings easier and more precise, ensuring that each plant is placed at the right depth without damaging the roots.

Shop Garden Trowels on Amazon

Soil and Fertilizer

Fertilizer is essential for enhancing growth, especially if your soil is nutrient-poor. By enriching the soil, you give your broccoli plants the nutrients they need to grow robust and produce a bountiful harvest.

Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

---

Other planting guides for New Jersey:

• Tomato Planting in New Jersey
• Kale Planting in New Jersey
• Pumpkin Planting in New Jersey

Any questions on growing broccoli? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Broccoli

---

Starting Broccoli Indoors

Example: In Albuquerque, NM (Zone 7a), start broccoli seeds indoors from mid-January to mid-February. This ensures the seedlings are ready for transplanting outdoors from mid-March to mid-April.

Required Materials:

• Seed trays
• High-quality potting mix
• Grow lights or a sunny window
• Regular watering

Process:

1. Fill seed trays with potting mix.
2. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
3. Keep the soil moist and ensure adequate light for healthy seedlings.

Direct Sowing in the Soil

Example: In Santa Fe, NM (Zone 6a), direct sow broccoli seeds in the garden from early February to early March for spring harvest, and from early August to early September for fall crops.

Soil Preparation:

• Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with compost for better fertility.

Sowing Instructions:

1. Plant seeds ½ inch deep.
2. Space seeds about 3 inches apart.
3. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they develop several true leaves.

Transplanting Broccoli Seedlings

Example: In Las Cruces, NM (Zone 8a), start seeds indoors from early June to early July. Transplant seedlings into the garden from mid-August to mid-September.

Bed Preparation:

• Enrich soil with compost.
• Maintain a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.

Transplanting Guidelines:

1. Space seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart.
2. Water well after transplanting.
3. Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering and Fertilization:

• Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells.
• Water at the base of the plants.
• Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer for healthy growth.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Watch for pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
• Use organic pest control methods and row covers if needed.
• Practice crop rotation and keep the garden clean to prevent diseases.

Harvesting Broccoli:

• Harvest heads when they are firm and compact.
• Cut the main head with part of the stem.
• Additional smaller side shoots may continue to develop and be harvested later.