When to plant turnip in Maine
Maine spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant turnip shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 28 in Lewiston to April 18 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 | March 29 – May 10 |
| Lewiston | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | March 28 – May 9 |
| Bangor | 5a | May 4 | October 4 | April 6 – May 18 |
| South Portland | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | March 29 – May 10 |
| Auburn | 5b | April 25 | October 19 | March 28 – May 9 |
| Biddeford | 6a | May 9 | October 3 | April 11 – May 23 |
| Sanford | 5b | May 16 | September 30 | April 18 – May 30 |
| Saco | 6a | April 26 | October 15 | March 29 – May 10 |
Turnip in Maine: FAQ
When can I plant turnip in Maine?
Across Maine, the time to direct-sow turnip spans roughly March 28 in Lewiston to April 18 in Sanford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the turnip planting date vary across Maine?
Yes. Maine publishes 13 cities with their own frost dates, so the right turnip 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 turnip take to grow in Maine?
Turnip takes about 40–60 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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