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When to Plant Black Beans in Maine

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Maine spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Black Beans planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Black Beans Planting Calendar for Maine

Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 – Jun 14
Harvest August 23 Aug 23 – Sep 27
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 20 May 20 – Jun 10
Harvest August 19 Aug 19 – Oct 7
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 15 May 15 – Jun 5
Harvest August 14 Aug 14 – Oct 2
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 – May 23
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 – Sep 19
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 12

Growing Tips for Maine

Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Maine?

Planting dates for Black Beans in Maine depend on your USDA zone. Maine spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Maine for planting?

Maine contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.