When to Plant Eggplant in Maine
In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7, then transplant outdoors May 16 – May 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 9 in Lewiston and as late as May 30 in Sanford.
Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Eggplant Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Lewiston | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Bangor | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – May 25 |
| West Scarborough | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 17 |
| South Portland | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 17 |
| South Portland Gardens | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Auburn | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Biddeford | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Sanford | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 6 |
| Saco | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Augusta | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Westbrook | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Waterville | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Brunswick | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | May 16 – May 23 |
| York Beach | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Wells Beach Station | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Orono | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Lisbon | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 29 – Jun 5 |
| North Bath | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Brewer | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Presque Isle | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
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 eggplant in Maine?
In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7, then transplant outdoors May 16 – May 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 9 in Lewiston and as late as May 30 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 eggplant take to grow?
Eggplant typically take 65–85 days from planting to harvest. Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Other Crops in Maine
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- 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
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant eggplant in other states