Growing Fennel in Zone 1b

Zone 1b has harsh winters and a short growing season. Start Fennel early indoors to maximize your harvest window. Last frost: May 25. First frost: Aug 28.

Planting Calendar

Indoor

Outdoor

Harvest

Apr 27Aug 28

Season: May 25 – Aug 28 (95 days) · Succession: plant every 3 weeks (up to 1x)

Zone1b

Last FrostMay 25

First FrostAug 28

Season Length95 days

Days to Harvest65

SunFull Sun

Frost ToleranceLight

Spacing12/sqft

When to Plant Fennel in Zone 1b

Start Seeds Indoors: Apr 27

Start Fennel seeds indoors around Apr 27 (4 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 65°F. Germinates in 7–14 days.

Transplant Outdoors: May 18

Transplant Fennel seedlings outdoors after May 18. Wait until soil temperature reaches 50°F. Space plants at 12/sqft. Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.

Harvest: Jul 12

First harvest approximately Jul 12 (~55 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Aug 28).

Fall Planting: Jun 19

For a fall harvest, plant Fennel around Jun 19 (10 weeks before first frost).

Companion Planting

✅ Dill

❌ Tomatoes❌ Peppers❌ Beans❌ Eggplant❌ Kohlrabi

Fennel in Other Zones

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fennel in Zone 1b?

Start Fennel seeds indoors around Apr 27. Transplant outdoors after May 18. Expect first harvest around Jul 12.

What is the last frost date for Zone 1b?

The average last spring frost date for Zone 1b is May 25. The first fall frost averages Aug 28, giving a 95-day growing season.

Can I grow Fennel in Zone 1b?

Yes. Fennel needs 65 days to harvest. Zone 1b has a 95-day growing season, which is sufficient. You can plant up to 1 successions.

What is the best month to plant Fennel in Zone 1b?

The best time to start Fennel in Zone 1b is Apr. Begin seeds indoors around Apr 27, then transplant outdoors after the last frost date of May 25.

What companion plants grow well with Fennel?

Good companion plants for Fennel include Dill. Avoid planting Fennel near Tomatoes, Peppers, Beans, Eggplant.

How long does Fennel take to harvest?

Fennel takes approximately 65 days from planting to harvest. In Zone 1b, expect your first harvest around Jul 12.

Plan Your Fennel Garden

Track Fennel from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

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