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When to plant Fennel in Mobile County, AL

For Fennel in Mobile County, the safe spring window opens around March 3 and closes around March 24. Last expected frost is March 3, first fall frost November 24, giving a 266-day growing season.

When to Plant Fennel in Mobile County, AL

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.

Mobile County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.

At an elevation of 101 feet, Mobile County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Fennel may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Fennel will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Mobile County, AL (Zone 9a) Long season
266 days
Last Spring Frost March 3
266 growing days
First Fall Frost November 24

Mobile County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Fennel Planting Timeline — Mobile County, AL

Fennel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 20 Jan 20 – Feb 3
Transplant Outdoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Direct Sow March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 24
Harvest May 12 May 12 – Jun 23

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
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

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

266 days in Mobile County

Growing Tips for Mobile 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

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fennel in Mobile County, AL?

Mobile County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mobile County, AL?

Mobile County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.

When should I plant Fennel in Mobile County, AL?

In Mobile County, AL, plant Fennel after the last frost (around March 3) and before the first frost (around November 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mobile County, AL for Fennel?

Mobile County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Fennel grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Fennel grow in Mobile County's climate?

Yes — Fennel grows well in Mobile County's temperate climate. Mobile County averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 3 and first frost around November 24.

🌱

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A 22-page printable planner built for Mobile County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Mobile County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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