When to Plant Fennel in Nottoway County, VA
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.
Nottoway County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 1,054 feet, Nottoway County receives approximately 45.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Fennel during the growing season.
Nottoway County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 — Nottoway County, VA
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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
215 days
Growing Tips for Nottoway 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 Nottoway County, VA?
Nottoway County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nottoway County, VA?
Nottoway County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Nottoway County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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