When to Plant Vinca (Annual) in New Mexico

Annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus), also called Madagascar periwinkle, is one of the most heat- and drought-tolerant bedding plants available. Glossy foliage stays attractive all season while cheerful pinwheel blooms continue without deadheading. A top performer in hot, humid Southern summers where impatiens and begonias struggle. Self-cleaning; requires little maintenance once established.

New Mexico spans USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Vinca (Annual) planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Vinca (Annual) Planting Calendar for New Mexico

▸ Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 30	Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Outdoors	April 17	Apr 17 – May 1
Bloom	June 26	Jun 26 – Oct 2

▸ Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 23	Jan 23 – Feb 6
Transplant Outdoors	April 10	Apr 10 – Apr 24
Bloom	June 19	Jun 19 – Oct 2

▸ Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 14	Jan 14 – Jan 28
Transplant Outdoors	March 25	Mar 25 – Apr 8
Bloom	June 3	Jun 3 – Sep 23

▸ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 7	Jan 7 – Jan 21
Transplant Outdoors	March 18	Mar 18 – Apr 1
Bloom	May 27	May 27 – Sep 30

▸ Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	December 28	Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Outdoors	March 1	Mar 1 – Mar 15
Bloom	May 10	May 10 – Sep 27

▸ Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	December 17	Dec 17 – Dec 31
Transplant Outdoors	February 11	Feb 11 – Feb 25
Bloom	April 22	Apr 22 – Sep 23

Growing Tips for New Mexico

Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination requires warm soil (75–80°F) and darkness. Do not cover seeds deeply; they need just a light dusting. Direct sowing is rarely practiced due to slow seedling establishment. Transplant after soil warms and frost danger has passed. Excellent drought tolerance once established; avoid overwatering. Performs best in well-drained beds or containers in full sun.

Vinca (Annual) in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Vinca (Annual) in New Mexico?

Planting dates for Vinca (Annual) in New Mexico depend on your USDA zone. New Mexico spans zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is New Mexico for planting?

New Mexico contains USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Blog