When to plant tulip bulbs in Maine

Fall planting in Portland

Oct 1–Nov 5

Across Maine the window opens between September 16 and October 5. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Portland: Oct 1–Nov 5
Last frost, Portland: Apr 26

Plant from 2 weeks before to 3 weeks after the first fall frost. Plant once the soil has cooled below 60°F. Bulbs need 12–14 weeks of cold to flower in spring.

Tulip bulbs planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PortlandOct 1–Nov 5

LewistonOct 5–Nov 9

BangorSep 20–Oct 25

South PortlandOct 1–Nov 5

AuburnOct 5–Nov 9

SanfordSep 16–Oct 21

BiddefordSep 19–Oct 24

WestbrookOct 1–Nov 5

SacoOct 1–Nov 5

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in Maine?

In Portland, fall planting from October 1 to November 5. Across Maine the window opens between September 16 and October 5, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Plant from 2 weeks before to 3 weeks after the first fall frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.