When to Plant Fennel in Quay County, NM
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.
Quay County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 3,759 feet, Quay County receives approximately 14.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Fennel during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Fennel will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Fennel successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Quay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.8
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
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Fennel Planting Timeline — Quay County, NM
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
195 days
Growing Tips for Quay 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 Quay County, NM?
Quay County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Quay County, NM?
Quay County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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