FrostCal

When to Plant Cauliflower in Maine

In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Mar 14 – Mar 28, then transplant outdoors Apr 18 – Apr 25. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Lewiston and as late as May 2 in Sanford. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 1 – Aug 8.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 55–85 days

Fussier than broccoli about temperature swings; start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost, transplant 1-2 weeks before last frost.

Cauliflower Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplantFall planting
PortlandMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 12 – Apr 19Aug 6 – Aug 13
LewistonMar 7 – Mar 21Apr 11 – Apr 18Aug 10 – Aug 17
BangorMar 16 – Mar 30Apr 20 – Apr 27Jul 26 – Aug 2
West ScarboroughMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 12 – Apr 19Aug 6 – Aug 13
South PortlandMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 12 – Apr 19Aug 6 – Aug 13
South Portland GardensMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 12 – Apr 19Aug 6 – Aug 13
AuburnMar 7 – Mar 21Apr 11 – Apr 18Aug 10 – Aug 17
BiddefordMar 21 – Apr 4Apr 25 – May 2Jul 25 – Aug 1
SanfordMar 28 – Apr 11May 2 – May 9Jul 22 – Jul 29
SacoMar 21 – Apr 4Apr 25 – May 2Jul 25 – Aug 1
AugustaMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 13 – Apr 20Aug 7 – Aug 14
WestbrookMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 12 – Apr 19Aug 6 – Aug 13
WatervilleMar 14 – Mar 28Apr 18 – Apr 25Aug 1 – Aug 8
BrunswickMar 14 – Mar 28Apr 18 – Apr 25Aug 1 – Aug 8
York BeachMar 13 – Mar 27Apr 17 – Apr 24Aug 5 – Aug 12
Wells Beach StationMar 21 – Apr 4Apr 25 – May 2Jul 25 – Aug 1
OronoMar 13 – Mar 27Apr 17 – Apr 24Jul 28 – Aug 4
LisbonMar 27 – Apr 10May 1 – May 8Jul 24 – Jul 31
North BathMar 22 – Apr 5Apr 26 – May 3Jul 28 – Aug 4
BrewerMar 16 – Mar 30Apr 20 – Apr 27Jul 26 – Aug 2
Presque IsleMar 26 – Apr 9Apr 30 – May 7Jul 18 – Jul 25

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 cauliflower in Maine?

In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Mar 14 – Mar 28, then transplant outdoors Apr 18 – Apr 25. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Lewiston and as late as May 2 in Sanford. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 1 – Aug 8.

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 cauliflower take to grow?

Cauliflower typically take 55–85 days from planting to harvest. Fussier than broccoli about temperature swings; start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost, transplant 1-2 weeks before last frost.

Other Crops in Maine

When to plant cauliflower in other states

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