When to Plant Fennel (herb) in Hempstead 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.
Hempstead County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 1,302 feet, Hempstead County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Fennel (herb) during the growing season.
Hempstead County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Fennel (herb) Planting Timeline — Hempstead County, AR
Fennel (herb) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 28 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jul 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
236 days
Growing Tips for Hempstead 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
Level Up Your Garden
Fennel (herb) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fennel (herb) in Hempstead County, AR?
Hempstead County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Fennel (herb) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hempstead County, AR?
Hempstead County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hempstead County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.