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When to Plant Horseradish in Guadalupe County, NM

Horseradish is a vigorous perennial grown for its pungent, spicy roots used as a condiment. Once established, it can be difficult to eradicate, so choose its location carefully.

Guadalupe County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.

At an elevation of 4,169 feet, Guadalupe County receives approximately 16 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Horseradish during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Horseradish will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Horseradish successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Guadalupe County, NM (Zone 6b) Moderate season
161 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
161 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Guadalupe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Sep 13 – Nov 22
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Sep 19 – Nov 28
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 2 🍅 Harvest: Oct 6 – Dec 15

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,002 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Horseradish needs ~2,400 GDD — county provides 2,576 GDD Good fit

Horseradish Planting Timeline โ€” Guadalupe County, NM

Horseradish Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 โ€“ May 30
Harvest September 19 Sep 19 โ€“ Nov 28

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

161 days

Growing Tips for Guadalupe County

Plant root cuttings at a 45-degree angle in early spring. Harvest roots in late fall for strongest flavor. Contain the plant with barriers or grow in large containers.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Horseradish in Guadalupe County, NM?

Guadalupe County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Horseradish planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Guadalupe County, NM?

Guadalupe County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Guadalupe County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Guadalupe County, NM. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.