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When to Plant Fennel (herb) in Cleburne County, AR

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.

Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.

At an elevation of 1,207 feet, Cleburne County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Fennel (herb) during the growing season.

Cleburne County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
219 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
219 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Cleburne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 13 Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jul 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (93 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Aug 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 22

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 132 gal / 100 sq ft
Fennel (herb) needs ~1,369 GDD — county provides 3,996 GDD Excellent fit

Fennel (herb) Planting Timeline โ€” Cleburne County, AR

Fennel (herb) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Apr 4
Fall Sowing August 24 Aug 24 โ€“ Sep 7
Harvest May 23 May 23 โ€“ Aug 1

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

219 days

Growing Tips for Cleburne County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Green Beans

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fennel (herb) in Cleburne County, AR?

Cleburne County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Fennel (herb) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cleburne County, AR?

Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cleburne County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cleburne County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.