Frost Dates for Portland, ME 04101
Portland has 4 ZIP codes. The Portland, ME frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost May 2 · First fall frost October 6 · 157 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 04101 has about 18,400 people, one of 4 ZIP codes in Portland.
Moderate season: 157 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 19–May 15 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans September 26–October 15 (19 days).
Frost probability for 04101
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 15 | May 2 | April 19 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 26 | October 6 | October 15 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at PORTLAND JETPORT (4.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 157-day season in Portland
In Portland (157 frost-free days, a moderate season), 32 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 23 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 28 | May 16–May 23 | 115 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 115 available after May 16. | Jun 6 |
| Pepper | Mar 21 | May 16–May 23 | 115 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 115 available after May 16. | Jun 11 |
| Lettuce | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 15 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 199 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 11. | Aug 4 |
| Cucumber | Apr 11 | May 16–May 23 | 129 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 129 available after May 16. | Jul 10 |
| Beans | — | May 9–May 23 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Peas | — | Mar 7–May 16 | 220 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 7. | Jul 26 |
| Zucchini | Apr 18 | May 16–May 23 | 129 | two-plantings: Plant May 16 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Onion | Feb 7 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 192 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 4. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 7–Apr 25 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 3 |
| Kale | Feb 21 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Broccoli | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 192 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 4. | Jul 11 |
| Cabbage | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 206 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 4. | Aug 4 |
| Radish | — | Mar 7–May 30 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Oct 13. | Sep 4 |
| Beets | — | Mar 7–May 30 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 178 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 6 | 262 | overwinter: Plant Oct 6 to Oct 27; harvest the following summer. | Oct 27 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 28–May 23 | 213 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 28; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 4 | May 9–May 16 | 129 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 129 available after May 9. | Jun 18 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 18 | May 16–May 16 | 122 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 122 available after May 16. | May 24 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 21 | Apr 25–May 9 | 171 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 171 available after Apr 25. | Jul 16 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 7 | Apr 18–Apr 18 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 7–May 30 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 3 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 206 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 4. | Jul 5 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 18 | May 16–May 23 | 122 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 122 available after May 16. | May 24 |
| Eggplant | Mar 14 | May 16–May 23 | 115 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 115 available after May 16. | Jun 16 |
| Okra | Apr 4 | May 9–May 16 | 136 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Basil | Mar 28 | May 23–May 23 | 122 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 122 available after May 23. | Jul 10 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 4–Apr 25 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Parsley | Feb 21 | May 9–May 16 | 157 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 157 available after May 9. | Jul 21 |
| Celery | Feb 21 | May 9–May 23 | 157 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 157 available after May 9. | Jun 1 |
| Scallions | Feb 21 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 14 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 4 | Apr 25–May 2 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 15 |
| Collards | Feb 21 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 14 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 18 | May 16–May 23 | 115 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 115 available after May 16. | Jun 1 |
| Chives | Feb 7 | May 9–May 16 | 171 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 171 available after May 9. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 7–May 30 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Oregano | Feb 21 | May 9–May 16 | 171 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 171 available after May 9. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 7 | May 9–May 16 | 157 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 157 available after May 9. | — |
| Sage | Mar 7 | May 9–May 16 | 171 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 171 available after May 9. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 21 | May 9–May 16 | 171 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 171 available after May 9. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 21 | Apr 18–May 2 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Cosmos | Apr 4 | May 2–May 16 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 10; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 10 |
| Lavender | Feb 7 | May 2–May 16 | 178 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 178 available after May 2. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 21 | May 2–May 9 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 20 |
| Melons | Apr 18 | May 16–May 23 | 115 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 115 available after May 16. | Jun 1 |
| Mint | — | May 2–May 16 | 178 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 178 available after May 2. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 9–May 23 | 136 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 136 available after May 9. | Jul 5 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 18 | May 16–May 23 | 122 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 122 available after May 16. | Jun 3 |
| Sunflowers | — | May 2–May 16 | 143 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 143 available after May 2. | Jun 30 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 7 | May 9–May 16 | 122 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 122 available after May 9. | Jun 11 |
| Watermelon | Apr 18 | May 9–May 16 | 122 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 122 available after May 9. | Jun 6 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 18 | May 16–May 23 | 129 | two-plantings: Plant May 16 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Zinnias | Apr 4 | May 2–May 16 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 10; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 10 |
Month by month in Portland
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 7), Lavender (Feb 7), Onion (Feb 7), Rosemary (Feb 7), Celery (Feb 21), Collards (Feb 21), +5 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Broccoli (Mar 7), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 7), Cabbage (Mar 7), Lettuce (Mar 7), Sage (Mar 7), Swiss Chard (Mar 7), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 7), Beets (Mar 7), Dill (Mar 7), Peas (Mar 7), Radish (Mar 7), Spinach (Mar 7), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 28). |
| April | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Apr 4), Corn (Apr 4), Cosmos (Apr 4), Nasturtiums (Apr 4), Okra (Apr 4), Zinnias (Apr 4), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Apr 4), Turnip (Apr 4), Carrots (Apr 11), Potatoes (Apr 18). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 4), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 4), Cabbage (Apr 4), Collards (Apr 4), Kale (Apr 4), Lettuce (Apr 4), +6 more. |
| May | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (May 2), Beans (May 9), Pole Beans (May 9). Transplant from: Cosmos (May 2), Lavender (May 2), Marigolds (May 2), Mint (May 2), Nasturtiums (May 2), Zinnias (May 2), +23 more. Last frost around May 2. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 24), Pumpkin (May 24). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 1), Celery (Jun 1), Melons (Jun 1), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 3), Tomato (Jun 6), Watermelon (Jun 6), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jul 5), Pole Beans (Jul 5), Basil (Jul 10), Cosmos (Jul 10), Cucumber (Jul 10), Zinnias (Jul 10), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 4), Carrots (Aug 4), Beets (Aug 5), Dill (Aug 5), Swiss Chard (Aug 5), Calendula (Aug 10), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 3), Spinach (Sep 3), Radish (Sep 4). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 6). First frost around October 6. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 27). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Portland, ME (ZIP 04101)?
The median last spring frost date for Portland, ME (ZIP code 04101) is around May 2. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 19; one in ten it runs past May 15.
What is the first fall frost date in Portland, ME?
The median first fall frost date for Portland, ME is around October 6. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 26 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Portland, ME?
The frost-free growing season in Portland is about 157 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Portland (157 frost-free days, a moderate season), 32 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 23 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Portland, ME?
Portland, ME is in USDA hardiness zone 6a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Portland, ME?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 28 and plant out May 16 in Portland. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Portland?
Two: plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13.
When do I plant garlic in Portland?
Oct 6 to Oct 27; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for South Portland, ME 04106 (2.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Portland, ME 04103 (2.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Westbrook, ME 04092 (5.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Falmouth, ME 04105 (6 mi)
- Frost dates for Scarborough, ME 04074 (7.4 mi)
- When to plant in Portland, ME: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in ME
- When to plant Peppers in ME
- When to plant Cucumbers in ME
- When to plant Zucchini in ME
- When to plant Butternut Squash in ME
- When to plant Basil in ME
- When to plant Sweet Corn in ME
- Look up another ZIP