When to plant watermelon in Maine

Plant out in Portland

May 10–May 24

Across Maine the window opens between May 9 and May 30. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Portland: Mar 29–Apr 5
Plant out, Portland: May 10–May 24
Sow outdoors, Portland: May 10–May 24
Last sowing for a harvest: Jun 23
Last frost, Portland: Apr 26

Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost; plant out 2–4 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks after the last frost. In short-season areas, start seedlings indoors and pick an early variety.

Watermelon planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PortlandMay 10–May 24

LewistonMay 9–May 23

BangorMay 18–Jun 1

South PortlandMay 10–May 24

AuburnMay 9–May 23

SanfordMay 30–Jun 13

BiddefordMay 23–Jun 6

WestbrookMay 10–May 24

SacoMay 10–May 24

Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Maine?

In Portland, plant out from May 10 to May 24. Across Maine the window opens between May 9 and May 30, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost; plant out 2–4 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks after the last frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

More for Maine

Watermelon in other states

Frost dates for every city in Maine