Fennel (herb) Planting Guide
Herb fennel is grown for its aromatic leaves, stalks, and seeds rather than a bulb. It has a strong anise flavor and its flowers attract beneficial insects.
Foeniculum vulgare · Herb · Apiaceae family · 60–90 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Fennel (herb)?
Fennel (herb) Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Fennel (herb) planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4a | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jul 1 – Sep 9 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 26 – Sep 4 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 21 | Apr 11 | Apr 18 | Jun 20 – Aug 29 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 14 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | Jun 13 – Aug 22 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Jun 5 – Aug 14 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 27 | May 29 – Aug 7 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | May 20 – Jul 29 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | May 13 – Jul 22 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 1 | Feb 22 | Mar 1 | May 3 – Jul 12 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 21 | Feb 11 | Feb 18 | Apr 22 – Jul 1 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Feb 3 | Apr 7 – Jun 16 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 28 | Jan 4 | Jan 18 | Mar 22 – May 31 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 26 – May 7 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 26 – May 7 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 4a – 10b
Growing Tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Unlike Florence fennel, herb fennel does not form a bulb. Harvest fronds as needed and seeds when they turn brown. Self-sows readily.
Saving Fennel (herb) Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Fennel (herb) by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Fennel (herb)?
Fennel (herb) (Foeniculum vulgare) takes 60 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Fennel (herb) grow in?
Fennel (herb) can be grown in USDA zones 4a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Fennel (herb) need?
Growing Fennel (herb) requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 5.5 to 7.