When to Plant Raspberry in Maine
Direct Sow Outdoors
Monday, March 23, 2026
State
Maine
USDA Zones
3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a
Avg Last Frost
Monday, April 20, 2026
Cities Covered
458
Maine Planting Schedule by Zone
Maine spans 8 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 3b | Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 |
| 4a | Friday, May 15, 2026 | Friday, April 17, 2026 |
| 4b | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 |
| 5a | Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Sunday, April 12, 2026 |
| 5b | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Saturday, March 28, 2026 |
| 6a | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Monday, March 23, 2026 |
| 6b | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 7a | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Friday, March 13, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
🌿 About Raspberry
Growing Raspberry in Maine: Complete Guide
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Maine, the right time to direct sow is around Monday, March 23, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Maine stretches across 8 USDA hardiness zones (3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 365 days to maturity, Raspberry fits comfortably within Maine's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Raspberry requires full sun and regular moisture. Most of Maine receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Raspberry in Maine?
In Maine, direct sow Raspberry outdoors around Monday, March 23, 2026. Maine spans zones 3b–7a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Maine?
Maine spans 8 USDA zones (3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), so last frost dates vary by region. Clayton Lake, Estcourt Station (3b) sees frost until around Wednesday, May 20, 2026, while Matinicus (7a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Raspberry take to grow in Maine?
Raspberry takes about 365 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Maine's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Maine cover for Raspberry?
Maine includes zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Raspberry grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.