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When to Plant Fennel (herb) in Delaware

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.

Delaware spans USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Fennel (herb) planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Fennel (herb) Planting Calendar for Delaware

โ–ธ Zone 7a ~221 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: March 25 ยท First frost: November 1 ยท 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 โ€“ Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 1
Direct Sow March 11 Mar 11 โ€“ Apr 1
Fall Sowing August 23 Aug 23 โ€“ Sep 6
Harvest May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jul 29
โ–ธ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: March 18 ยท First frost: November 8 ยท 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 โ€“ Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 โ€“ Mar 25
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 โ€“ Mar 25
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 โ€“ Sep 13
Harvest May 13 May 13 โ€“ Jul 22

Growing Tips for Delaware

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fennel (herb) in Delaware?

Planting dates for Fennel (herb) in Delaware depend on your USDA zone. Delaware spans zones 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Delaware for planting?

Delaware contains USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state โ€” northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.