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When to Plant Asparagus in Maine

In a typical Maine location, plant outdoors Apr 4 – Apr 18. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 28 in Lewiston and as late as Apr 18 in Sanford.

Method Plant out (slips, crowns, or tubers)
Days to maturity 730–1095 days

Perennial; plant crowns 2-4 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Takes 2-3 years to full production.

Asparagus Planting Dates by City

CityPlant outdoors
PortlandMar 29 – Apr 12
LewistonMar 28 – Apr 11
BangorApr 6 – Apr 20
West ScarboroughMar 29 – Apr 12
South PortlandMar 29 – Apr 12
South Portland GardensMar 29 – Apr 12
AuburnMar 28 – Apr 11
BiddefordApr 11 – Apr 25
SanfordApr 18 – May 2
SacoApr 11 – Apr 25
AugustaMar 30 – Apr 13
WestbrookMar 29 – Apr 12
WatervilleApr 4 – Apr 18
BrunswickApr 4 – Apr 18
York BeachApr 3 – Apr 17
Wells Beach StationApr 11 – Apr 25
OronoApr 3 – Apr 17
LisbonApr 17 – May 1
North BathApr 12 – Apr 26
BrewerApr 6 – Apr 20
Presque IsleApr 16 – Apr 30

Showing the 21 most populous of 21 Maine cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Maine cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant asparagus in Maine?

In a typical Maine location, plant outdoors Apr 4 – Apr 18. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 28 in Lewiston and as late as Apr 18 in Sanford.

When is the last frost in Maine?

The average last spring frost in Maine ranges from April 25 in Lewiston to May 16 in Sanford, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do asparagus take to grow?

Asparagus typically take 730–1095 days from planting to harvest. Perennial; plant crowns 2-4 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Takes 2-3 years to full production.

Other Crops in Maine

When to plant asparagus in other states

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