When to Plant Beets in Maine
In a typical Maine location, sow 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. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 1 – Aug 15.
Direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost; tolerates light frost.
Beets Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Lewiston | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Bangor | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| West Scarborough | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| South Portland | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| South Portland Gardens | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Auburn | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Biddeford | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Sanford | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Saco | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Augusta | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Westbrook | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Waterville | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Brunswick | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| York Beach | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Wells Beach Station | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Orono | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Lisbon | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| North Bath | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Brewer | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Presque Isle | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
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 beets in Maine?
In a typical Maine location, sow 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. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 1 – Aug 15.
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 beets take to grow?
Beets typically take 50–65 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost; tolerates light frost.
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
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant beets in other states