When to Plant Watermelon in Maine
In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Apr 4 – Apr 11, 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.
Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Watermelon Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Lewiston | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Bangor | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 |
| West Scarborough | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 17 |
| South Portland | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 17 |
| South Portland Gardens | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Auburn | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Biddeford | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Sanford | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 |
| Saco | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Augusta | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Westbrook | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Waterville | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Brunswick | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 23 |
| York Beach | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Wells Beach Station | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Orono | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Lisbon | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | May 29 – Jun 5 |
| North Bath | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Brewer | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Presque Isle | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | 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 watermelon in Maine?
In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Apr 4 – Apr 11, 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 watermelon take to grow?
Watermelon typically take 70–90 days from planting to harvest. Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Other Crops in Maine
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- 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 watermelon in other states