When to plant daffodil bulbs in Maine

Fall planting in Portland

Sep 17–Oct 29

Across Maine the window opens between September 2 and September 21. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Portland: Sep 17–Oct 29
Last frost, Portland: Apr 26

Plant from 4 weeks before to 2 weeks after the first fall frost. Daffodils root best when they go in a few weeks before the ground freezes. Deer and rodents leave them alone.

Daffodil bulbs planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PortlandSep 17–Oct 29

LewistonSep 21–Nov 2

BangorSep 6–Oct 18

South PortlandSep 17–Oct 29

AuburnSep 21–Nov 2

SanfordSep 2–Oct 14

BiddefordSep 5–Oct 17

WestbrookSep 17–Oct 29

SacoSep 17–Oct 29

Questions

When should I plant daffodil bulbs in Maine?

In Portland, fall planting from September 17 to October 29. Across Maine the window opens between September 2 and September 21, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Plant from 4 weeks before to 2 weeks after the first fall frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.