FrostCal

When to Plant Winter Squash in Maine

In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Apr 4 – Apr 11, then sow outdoors May 9 – May 23, then transplant outdoors May 9 – May 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 2 in Lewiston and as late as May 23 in Sanford.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 80–110 days

Long season; direct sow after soil warms, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in short-season climates.

Winter Squash Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsDirect sowTransplant
PortlandMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
LewistonMar 28 – Apr 4May 2 – May 16May 2 – May 9
BangorApr 6 – Apr 13May 11 – May 25May 11 – May 18
West ScarboroughMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
South PortlandMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
South Portland GardensMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
AuburnMar 28 – Apr 4May 2 – May 16May 2 – May 9
BiddefordApr 11 – Apr 18May 16 – May 30May 16 – May 23
SanfordApr 18 – Apr 25May 23 – Jun 6May 23 – May 30
SacoApr 11 – Apr 18May 16 – May 30May 16 – May 23
AugustaMar 30 – Apr 6May 4 – May 18May 4 – May 11
WestbrookMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
WatervilleApr 4 – Apr 11May 9 – May 23May 9 – May 16
BrunswickApr 4 – Apr 11May 9 – May 23May 9 – May 16
York BeachApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
Wells Beach StationApr 11 – Apr 18May 16 – May 30May 16 – May 23
OronoApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
LisbonApr 17 – Apr 24May 22 – Jun 5May 22 – May 29
North BathApr 12 – Apr 19May 17 – May 31May 17 – May 24
BrewerApr 6 – Apr 13May 11 – May 25May 11 – May 18
Presque IsleApr 16 – Apr 23May 21 – Jun 4May 21 – May 28

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 winter squash in Maine?

In a typical Maine location, start seeds indoors Apr 4 – Apr 11, then sow outdoors May 9 – May 23, then transplant outdoors May 9 – May 16. 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 winter squash take to grow?

Winter Squash typically take 80–110 days from planting to harvest. Long season; direct sow after soil warms, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in short-season climates.

Other Crops in Maine

When to plant winter squash in other states

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