Frost Dates for Taos, NM 87571
Last spring frost June 23 · First fall frost September 3 · 72 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 87571 has about 11,500 people.
Short season: 72 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans June 7–July 8 (31 days). Fall frost risk spans August 16–September 22 (37 days).
Frost probability for 87571
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | July 8 | June 23 | June 7 |
| Fall (first frost) | August 16 | September 3 | September 22 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at RED RIVER (32.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 72-day season in Taos
In Taos (72 frost-free days, a short season), 22 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 8 get two plantings, 9 need an indoor start, 3 need a faster variety, 13 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | May 19 | Jul 7–Jul 14 | 30 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Taos has 30 after Jul 7. | — |
| Pepper | May 12 | Jul 7–Jul 14 | 30 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Taos has 30 after Jul 7. | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 107 | two-plantings: Plant May 26 and again by Jul 13; both mature before Sep 10. | Jul 13 |
| Carrots | — | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 114 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 114 available after Jun 2. | Jul 2 |
| Cucumber | Jun 2 | Jul 7–Jul 14 | 44 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 7, the outdoor season is about 16 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Beans | — | Jun 30–Jul 14 | 58 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 58 days. | — |
| Peas | — | Apr 28–Jul 7 | 135 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 135 available after Apr 28. | Jun 23 |
| Zucchini | Jun 9 | Jul 7–Jul 14 | 44 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 7, the outdoor season is about 11 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Onion | Mar 31 | May 26–Jun 9 | 107 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 107 available after May 26. | — |
| Spinach | — | Apr 28–Jun 16 | 149 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Sep 24. | Aug 1 |
| Kale | Apr 14 | May 26–Jun 9 | 121 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 121 available after May 26. | Jul 17 |
| Broccoli | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 9 | 107 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 107 available after May 26. | Jun 8 |
| Cabbage | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 9 | 121 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 121 available after May 26. | Jul 2 |
| Radish | — | Apr 28–Jul 21 | 135 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Sep 10. | Aug 2 |
| Beets | — | Apr 28–Jul 21 | 135 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 3; both mature before Sep 10. | Jul 3 |
| Potatoes | — | Jun 9–Jun 16 | 93 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 9. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 3 | 177 | overwinter: Plant Sep 3 to Sep 24; harvest the following summer. | Sep 24 |
| Strawberry | — | May 19–Jul 14 | 128 | perennial: A perennial: plant May 19; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | May 26 | Jun 30–Jul 7 | 44 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Taos has 44 after Jun 30. | — |
| Pumpkin | Jun 9 | Jul 7–Jul 7 | 37 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Taos has 37 after Jul 7. | — |
| Cauliflower | May 12 | Jun 16–Jun 30 | 86 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 16. | — |
| Swiss Chard | Apr 28 | Jun 9–Jun 9 | 93 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 9. | Jul 3 |
| Arugula | — | Apr 28–Jul 21 | 149 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Sep 24. | Aug 1 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 9 | 121 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 121 available after May 26. | Jun 2 |
| Butternut Squash | Jun 9 | Jul 7–Jul 14 | 37 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Taos has 37 after Jul 7. | — |
| Eggplant | May 5 | Jul 7–Jul 14 | 30 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Taos has 30 after Jul 7. | — |
| Okra | May 26 | Jun 30–Jul 7 | 51 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 30, the outdoor season is about 4 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Basil | May 19 | Jul 14–Jul 14 | 37 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Taos has 37 after Jul 14. | — |
| Cilantro | — | May 26–Jun 16 | 107 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 107 available after May 26. | Jul 8 |
| Parsley | Apr 14 | Jun 30–Jul 7 | 72 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 72 available after Jun 30. | — |
| Celery | Apr 14 | Jun 30–Jul 14 | 72 | no-fit: Needs 120 days; Taos has 72 after Jun 30. | — |
| Scallions | Apr 14 | May 26–Jun 9 | 121 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 121 available after May 26. | Jul 12 |
| Turnip | — | May 26–Jun 9 | 121 | two-plantings: Plant May 26 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 22 |
| Kohlrabi | — | May 12–May 26 | 135 | two-plantings: Plant May 12 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Bok Choy | May 26 | Jun 16–Jun 23 | 86 | fits: 45 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 16. | Jul 13 |
| Collards | Apr 14 | May 26–Jun 9 | 121 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 121 available after May 26. | Jul 12 |
| Cantaloupe | Jun 9 | Jul 7–Jul 14 | 30 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Taos has 30 after Jul 7. | — |
| Chives | Mar 31 | Jun 30–Jul 7 | 86 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 30, the outdoor season is about 4 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Dill | — | Apr 28–Jul 21 | 135 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 3; both mature before Sep 10. | Jul 3 |
| Oregano | Apr 14 | Jun 30–Jul 7 | 86 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 30. | — |
| Rosemary | Mar 31 | Jun 30–Jul 7 | 72 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 30, the outdoor season is about 8 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Sage | Apr 28 | Jun 30–Jul 7 | 86 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 30. | — |
| Thyme | Apr 14 | Jun 30–Jul 7 | 86 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 30, the outdoor season is about 4 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Calendula | May 12 | Jun 9–Jun 23 | 93 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 9. | Jul 8 |
| Cosmos | May 26 | Jun 23–Jul 7 | 58 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 23, the outdoor season is about 2 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Lavender | Mar 31 | Jun 23–Jul 7 | 93 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 23. | — |
| Marigolds | May 12 | Jun 23–Jun 30 | 58 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 58 available after Jun 23. | — |
| Melons | Jun 9 | Jul 7–Jul 14 | 30 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Taos has 30 after Jul 7. | — |
| Mint | — | Jun 23–Jul 7 | 93 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 23. | — |
| Nasturtiums | May 26 | Jun 23–Jun 30 | 58 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 58 available after Jun 23. | — |
| Pole Beans | — | Jun 30–Jul 14 | 51 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 51 days. | — |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jun 9 | Jul 7–Jul 14 | 37 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Taos has 37 after Jul 7. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | Jun 23–Jul 7 | 58 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 58 days. | — |
| Tomatillos | Apr 28 | Jun 30–Jul 7 | 37 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Taos has 37 after Jun 30. | — |
| Watermelon | Jun 9 | Jun 30–Jul 7 | 37 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Taos has 37 after Jun 30. | — |
| Yellow Squash | Jun 9 | Jul 7–Jul 14 | 44 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 7, the outdoor season is about 11 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Zinnias | May 26 | Jun 23–Jul 7 | 58 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 23, the outdoor season is about 2 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
Month by month in Taos
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost). |
| March | Start indoors: Chives (Mar 31), Lavender (Mar 31), Onion (Mar 31), Rosemary (Mar 31). |
| April | Start indoors: Celery (Apr 14), Collards (Apr 14), Kale (Apr 14), Oregano (Apr 14), Parsley (Apr 14), Scallions (Apr 14), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Apr 28), Beets (Apr 28), Dill (Apr 28), Peas (Apr 28), Radish (Apr 28), Spinach (Apr 28). |
| May | Start indoors: Eggplant (May 5), Calendula (May 12), Cauliflower (May 12), Marigolds (May 12), Pepper (May 12), Basil (May 19), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (May 12), Cilantro (May 26), Turnip (May 26). Transplant from: Broccoli (May 26), Brussel Sprouts (May 26), Cabbage (May 26), Collards (May 26), Kale (May 26), Lettuce (May 26), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (May 19). |
| June | Start indoors: Cucumber (Jun 2), Butternut Squash (Jun 9), Cantaloupe (Jun 9), Melons (Jun 9), Pumpkin (Jun 9), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 9), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Jun 2), Potatoes (Jun 9), Sunflowers (Jun 23), Beans (Jun 30), Pole Beans (Jun 30). Transplant from: Calendula (Jun 9), Swiss Chard (Jun 9), Bok Choy (Jun 16), Cauliflower (Jun 16), Cosmos (Jun 23), Lavender (Jun 23), +15 more. Last frost around June 23. Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jun 2), Broccoli (Jun 8), Peas (Jun 23). |
| July | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jul 7), Cantaloupe (Jul 7), Cucumber (Jul 7), Eggplant (Jul 7), Melons (Jul 7), Pepper (Jul 7), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Jul 2), Carrots (Jul 2), Beets (Jul 3), Dill (Jul 3), Swiss Chard (Jul 3), Calendula (Jul 8), +8 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Aug 1), Spinach (Aug 1), Radish (Aug 2). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 3). First frost around September 3. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Sep 24). |
| October | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Taos, NM (ZIP 87571)?
The median last spring frost date for Taos, NM (ZIP code 87571) is around June 23. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before June 7; one in ten it runs past July 8.
What is the first fall frost date in Taos, NM?
The median first fall frost date for Taos, NM is around September 3. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around August 16 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Taos, NM?
The frost-free growing season in Taos is about 72 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Taos (72 frost-free days, a short season), 22 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 8 get two plantings, 9 need an indoor start, 3 need a faster variety, 13 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Taos, NM?
Taos, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 6a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Taos, NM?
Start tomatoes indoors May 19 and plant out Jul 7 in Taos. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Taos?
Two: plant May 26 and again by Jul 13; both mature before Sep 10.
When do I plant garlic in Taos?
Sep 3 to Sep 24; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Taos?
Not reliably outdoors. Needs 120 days; Taos has 72 after Jun 30.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Espanola (ZIP 87532) has 150 frost-free days, 78 more than Taos (ZIP 87571). See Espanola ZIP 87532 frost dates
Nearby and related
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