FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in Maine

In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7, then transplant outdoors May 9 – May 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 2 in Lewiston and as late as May 23 in Sanford.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 60–90 days

Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Peppers Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
PortlandFeb 15 – Mar 1May 3 – May 17
LewistonFeb 14 – Feb 28May 2 – May 16
BangorFeb 23 – Mar 9May 11 – May 25
West ScarboroughFeb 15 – Mar 1May 3 – May 17
South PortlandFeb 15 – Mar 1May 3 – May 17
South Portland GardensFeb 15 – Mar 1May 3 – May 17
AuburnFeb 14 – Feb 28May 2 – May 16
BiddefordFeb 28 – Mar 14May 16 – May 30
SanfordMar 7 – Mar 21May 23 – Jun 6
SacoFeb 28 – Mar 14May 16 – May 30
AugustaFeb 16 – Mar 2May 4 – May 18
WestbrookFeb 15 – Mar 1May 3 – May 17
WatervilleFeb 21 – Mar 7May 9 – May 23
BrunswickFeb 21 – Mar 7May 9 – May 23
York BeachFeb 20 – Mar 6May 8 – May 22
Wells Beach StationFeb 28 – Mar 14May 16 – May 30
OronoFeb 20 – Mar 6May 8 – May 22
LisbonMar 6 – Mar 20May 22 – Jun 5
North BathMar 1 – Mar 15May 17 – May 31
BrewerFeb 23 – Mar 9May 11 – May 25
Presque IsleMar 5 – Mar 19May 21 – 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 peppers in Maine?

In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7, then transplant outdoors May 9 – May 23. 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 peppers take to grow?

Peppers typically take 60–90 days from planting to harvest. Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Other Crops in Maine

When to plant peppers in other states

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