New Mexico · Garden vegetables

Asparagus season in New Mexico

Typically early April to late May, with peak mid-April through mid-May.

Hatched chalk = early and late shoulders; solid = peak.

The southern valleys around Hatch and Las Cruces run well ahead of the high northern villages.

At a glance

Early

From early April — first pickings, lighter supply, best prices come later.

Peak

mid-April through mid-May — full stalls, full flavor. This is the stretch to plan around.

Late

Through late May — quantity for preserving, and the stalls start dealing.

Season length

about 9 weeks end to end, shoulders included.

Asparagus

Look: Look for tight, closed tips and firm, smooth stalks with rich green or purple color all the way down.
Feel: Good spears snap cleanly rather than bend, and the cut ends look moist instead of woody and shriveled.
Smell: Fresh asparagus smells clean and faintly grassy — a sour or musty whiff means old stock.
Tip: Spear thickness reflects the age of the crown, not toughness — pick spears of even size so they cook evenly.
Keeps: Stand stalks upright in an inch of water in the fridge and use within three or four days.

Chasing the season?

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The whole national sweep · everything in season in New Mexico

Frequently asked questions

When is asparagus season in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, the asparagus season typically runs early April to late May, with peak availability mid-April through mid-May. Exact weeks shift a little with each year's weather.

Can I pick my own asparagus in New Mexico?

Rarely offered u-pick since spears are cut daily — buy from spring farm stands and farmers markets instead. The best market weeks are mid-April through mid-May.

How long does asparagus season last in New Mexico?

about 9 weeks end to end — early April to late May. The early and late shoulders are real but lighter; the solid stretch of chalk on the band is the sure bet.