When to plant rosemary in Maine
Maine spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant rosemary 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 |
Rosemary in Maine: FAQ
When can I plant rosemary in Maine?
Across Maine, the time to transplant rosemary spans roughly May 2 in Lewiston to May 23 in Sanford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the rosemary planting date vary across Maine?
Yes. Maine publishes 13 cities with their own frost dates, so the right rosemary planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
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