When to plant cantaloupe in Maine
Maine spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant cantaloupe shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings 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 | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Lewiston | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Bangor | 5a | May 4 | October 4 | May 11 – May 18 |
| South Portland | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Auburn | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Biddeford | 6a | May 9 | October 3 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Sanford | 5b | May 16 | September 30 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Saco | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
Cantaloupe in Maine: FAQ
When can I plant cantaloupe in Maine?
Across Maine, the time to transplant cantaloupe spans roughly May 2 in Lewiston to May 23 in Sanford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the cantaloupe planting date vary across Maine?
Yes. Maine publishes 13 cities with their own frost dates, so the right cantaloupe 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 cantaloupe take to grow in Maine?
Cantaloupe takes about 70–90 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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