When to plant rutabaga in Maine
Maine spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant rutabaga shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 11 in Lewiston to May 2 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 12 – May 10 |
| Lewiston | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | April 11 – May 9 |
| Bangor | 5a | May 4 | October 4 | April 20 – May 18 |
| South Portland | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | April 12 – May 10 |
| Auburn | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | April 11 – May 9 |
| Biddeford | 6a | May 9 | October 3 | April 25 – May 23 |
| Sanford | 5b | May 16 | September 30 | May 2 – May 30 |
| Saco | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | April 12 – May 10 |
Rutabaga in Maine: FAQ
When can I plant rutabaga in Maine?
Across Maine, the time to direct-sow rutabaga spans roughly April 11 in Lewiston to May 2 in Sanford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the rutabaga planting date vary across Maine?
Yes. Maine publishes 13 cities with their own frost dates, so the right rutabaga 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 rutabaga take to grow in Maine?
Rutabaga 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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