When to Plant Fennel in Scott County, MN
Florence fennel is grown for its swollen bulb-like stem base, which has a mild anise flavor. It is crisp raw in salads and sweet when roasted or braised.
Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Scott County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fennel to ensure they mature before fall.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Planting Timeline — Scott County, MN
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
168 days
Growing Tips for Scott County
Direct sow in late summer for fall harvest to reduce bolting. Hill soil around bulbs as they enlarge. Harvest when bulbs are tennis-ball sized before they elongate.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Fennel in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fennel in Scott County, MN?
Scott County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, MN?
Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Scott County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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