New Mexico · Garden vegetables

Beet season in New Mexico

Typically mid-June to mid-October, with peak early July through late September.

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 mid-June — first pickings, lighter supply, best prices come later.

Peak

early July through late September — full stalls, full flavor. This is the stretch to plan around.

Late

Through mid-October — quantity for preserving, and the stalls start dealing.

Season length

about 17 weeks end to end, shoulders included.

Beets

Look: Choose firm, round roots with smooth skin and bright, unwilted greens still attached.
Feel: Roots should feel hard all over with no soft spots, and the thin taproot tail should still be intact.
Smell: A clean, earthy smell is right — mustiness means the roots sat in storage too long.
Tip: Fresh tops are your freshness gauge — and they cook like chard, so take them home too.
Keeps: Twist off the tops and fridge roots in a bag — they hold two to three weeks or more.

Chasing the season?

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The whole national sweep · everything in season in New Mexico

Frequently asked questions

When is beet season in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, the beet season typically runs mid-June to mid-October, with peak availability early July through late September. Exact weeks shift a little with each year's weather.

Can I pick my own beets in New Mexico?

Dig-your-own beets are uncommon — look for firm bunches with fresh tops at farmers markets. The best market weeks are early July through late September.

How long does beet season last in New Mexico?

about 17 weeks end to end — mid-June to mid-October. The early and late shoulders are real but lighter; the solid stretch of chalk on the band is the sure bet.