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When to Plant Fennel (herb) in Florida

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.

Florida spans USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

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

Fennel (herb) Planting Calendar for Florida

Zone 10a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors December 25 Dec 25 – Jan 8
Direct Sow December 11 Dec 11 – Jan 1
Fall Sowing November 5 Nov 5 – Nov 19
Harvest February 26 Feb 26 – May 7
Zone 10b ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors December 25 Dec 25 – Jan 8
Direct Sow December 11 Dec 11 – Jan 1
Fall Sowing November 5 Nov 5 – Nov 19
Harvest February 26 Feb 26 – May 7
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 21 Jan 21 – Feb 4
Transplant Outdoors February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4
Direct Sow February 11 Feb 11 – Mar 4
Fall Sowing September 19 Sep 19 – Oct 3
Harvest April 22 Apr 22 – Jul 1
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 13 Jan 13 – Jan 27
Transplant Outdoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Direct Sow January 20 Jan 20 – Feb 10
Fall Sowing October 15 Oct 15 – Oct 29
Harvest April 7 Apr 7 – Jun 16
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 28 Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Outdoors January 18 Jan 18 – Feb 1
Direct Sow January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 25
Fall Sowing October 25 Oct 25 – Nov 8
Harvest March 22 Mar 22 – May 31

Growing Tips for Florida

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 Florida?

Planting dates for Fennel (herb) in Florida depend on your USDA zone. Florida spans zones 10a, 10b, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Florida for planting?

Florida contains USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 8b, 9a, 9b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — 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.