When to plant bush bean in Maine
Maine spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant bush bean shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about May 2 in Lewiston to May 23 in Sanford — below are local dates for 13 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | May 3 – June 7 |
| Lewiston | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | May 2 – June 6 |
| Bangor | 5a | May 4 | October 4 | May 11 – June 15 |
| South Portland | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | May 3 – June 7 |
| Auburn | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | May 2 – June 6 |
| Biddeford | 6a | May 9 | October 3 | May 16 – June 20 |
| Sanford | 5b | May 16 | September 30 | May 23 – June 27 |
| Saco | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | May 3 – June 7 |
Bush Bean in Maine: FAQ
When can I plant bush bean in Maine?
Across Maine, the time to direct-sow bush bean spans roughly May 2 in Lewiston to May 23 in Sanford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the bush bean planting date vary across Maine?
Yes. Maine publishes 13 cities with their own frost dates, so the right bush bean planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does bush bean take to grow in Maine?
Bush Bean takes about 50–60 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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