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When to Plant Fennel (herb) in Independence 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.

Independence County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.

At an elevation of 1,405 feet, Independence County receives approximately 46.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Fennel (herb) during the growing season.

Independence County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
222 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
222 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Independence County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jul 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 19 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: May 21 – Jul 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Aug 18

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 253 gal / 100 sq ft
Fennel (herb) needs ~1,369 GDD — county provides 4,051 GDD Excellent fit

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

Fennel (herb) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 โ€“ Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Apr 2
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 โ€“ Sep 8
Harvest May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jul 30

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
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

222 days

Growing Tips for Independence 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 Independence County, AR?

Independence County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Fennel (herb) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Independence County, AR?

Independence County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 3.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Independence 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 Independence County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.