When to plant pumpkin in Maine
Maine spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant pumpkin shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about May 9 in Lewiston to May 30 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 10 – May 24 |
| Lewiston | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Bangor | 5a | May 4 | October 4 | May 18 – June 1 |
| South Portland | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Auburn | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Biddeford | 6a | May 9 | October 3 | May 23 – June 6 |
| Sanford | 5b | May 16 | September 30 | May 30 – June 13 |
| Saco | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | May 10 – May 24 |
Pumpkin in Maine: FAQ
When can I plant pumpkin in Maine?
Across Maine, the time to direct-sow pumpkin spans roughly May 9 in Lewiston to May 30 in Sanford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the pumpkin planting date vary across Maine?
Yes. Maine publishes 13 cities with their own frost dates, so the right pumpkin 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 pumpkin take to grow in Maine?
Pumpkin takes about 90–110 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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