When to plant popcorn in Maine
Maine spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant popcorn shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 25 in Lewiston to May 16 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 | April 26 – May 10 |
| Lewiston | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | April 25 – May 9 |
| Bangor | 5a | May 4 | October 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| South Portland | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | April 26 – May 10 |
| Auburn | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | April 25 – May 9 |
| Biddeford | 6a | May 9 | October 3 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Sanford | 5b | May 16 | September 30 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Saco | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | April 26 – May 10 |
Popcorn in Maine: FAQ
When can I plant popcorn in Maine?
Across Maine, the time to direct-sow popcorn spans roughly April 25 in Lewiston to May 16 in Sanford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the popcorn planting date vary across Maine?
Yes. Maine publishes 13 cities with their own frost dates, so the right popcorn 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 popcorn take to grow in Maine?
Popcorn takes about 90–120 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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