When to Plant Basil in Maine
In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Mar 21 – Mar 28, then transplant outdoors May 9 – May 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 2 in Lewiston and as late as May 23 in Sanford.
Very frost/cold sensitive; start indoors 5-6 weeks before last frost, transplant only after all danger of frost (1-2 weeks after) and nights stay warm.
Basil Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Lewiston | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Bangor | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 11 – May 18 |
| West Scarborough | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| South Portland | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| South Portland Gardens | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Auburn | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Biddeford | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Sanford | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Saco | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Augusta | Mar 16 – Mar 23 | May 4 – May 11 |
| Westbrook | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Waterville | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Brunswick | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| York Beach | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Wells Beach Station | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Orono | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Lisbon | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 22 – May 29 |
| North Bath | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Brewer | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Presque Isle | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 21 – May 28 |
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 basil in Maine?
In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Mar 21 – Mar 28, then transplant outdoors May 9 – May 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 2 in Lewiston and as late as May 23 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 basil take to grow?
Basil typically take 50–70 days from planting to harvest. Very frost/cold sensitive; start indoors 5-6 weeks before last frost, transplant only after all danger of frost (1-2 weeks after) and nights stay warm.
Other Crops in Maine
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant basil in other states