Fennel Growing Guide
Apiaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Establishing
- Mature / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 27 | May 18 | May 18 | Jul 12 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 27 | May 18 | May 18 | Jul 12 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 17 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 2 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 27 | May 18 | May 18 | Jul 12 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 24 | May 15 | May 15 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 17 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 2 |
| Zone 4a | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jun 22 |
| Zone 4b | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 18 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 21 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 21 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 21 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 18 | Apr 8 | Apr 8 | Jun 2 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 18 | Apr 8 | Apr 8 | Jun 2 |
| Zone 7b | Mar 13 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | May 28 |
| Zone 8a | Mar 8 | Mar 29 | Mar 29 | May 23 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 15 | May 9 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 13 | May 7 |
| Zone 9b | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Mar 3 | Apr 27 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 23 | Feb 13 | Feb 13 | Apr 9 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 31 | Jan 21 | Jan 21 | Mar 17 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 31 | Jan 21 | Jan 21 | Mar 17 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 18 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 4 |
| Zone 12a | Dec 4 | Dec 25 | Dec 25 | Feb 18 |
| Zone 12b | Dec 4 | Dec 25 | Dec 25 | Feb 18 |
| Zone 13a | Dec 4 | Dec 25 | Dec 25 | Feb 18 |
| Zone 13b | Dec 4 | Dec 25 | Dec 25 | Feb 18 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Fennel?
Fennel takes approximately 65 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Fennel need?
Fennel requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Fennel?
Plant Fennel at 12/sqft using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Fennel survive frost?
Fennel is tolerant of light frost.
What are good companion plants for Fennel?
Good companion plants for Fennel include Dill. Avoid planting near Tomatoes, Peppers, Beans, Eggplant, Kohlrabi.
How long does Fennel take to germinate?
Fennel seeds germinate in 7-14 days at an optimal temperature of 65°F.
When should I start Fennel seeds indoors?
Start Fennel seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -1 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Sow in midsummer for a fall harvest; spring-sown fennel often bolts
- Hill soil around the base as the bulb develops to blanch it
- Keep well-watered for tender, non-fibrous bulbs
Common Pests & Diseases
- Aphids
- Swallowtail caterpillar
- Slugs
Harvest Notes
Harvest when bulbs are 3-4 inches across, firm and white. Cut at soil level. Fronds are also edible as an herb.
Plan Your Fennel Garden
Track Fennel from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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