When to Plant Fennel (herb) in Yakutat City and Borough, AK
This month in Yakutat City and Borough, Alaska
Here's what deserves your attention in Yakutat City and Borough, Alaska this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Time to transplant fennel (herb)
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Put fennel (herb) seeds straight in the ground
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: fennel (herb)
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.
Yakutat City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 246 feet, Yakutat City and Borough receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 66°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fennel (herb) to ensure they mature before fall.
Yakutat City and Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Yakutat City and Borough
How your county's soil matches Fennel (herb)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) overlaps with Fennel (herb)'s range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Yakutat City and Borough is excellent for Fennel (herb) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Fennel (herb).
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Fennel (herb) will thrive.
How to Plant Fennel (herb)
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Fennel (herb)
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 17.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Fennel (herb)
Fennel (herb) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Fennel (herb) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Yakutat City and Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fennel (herb) Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Fennel (herb) Planting Timeline — Yakutat City and Borough, AK
Fennel (herb) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 |
| Fall Sowing | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Yakutat City and Borough
Growing Tips for Fennel (herb) in Yakutat City and Borough
Direct sow Fennel (herb) outdoors after May 20 in Yakutat City and Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Fennel (herb) in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Fennel (herb) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fennel (herb) in Yakutat City and Borough, AK?
Yakutat City and Borough is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Fennel (herb) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yakutat City and Borough, AK?
Yakutat City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 25.
Your Yakutat City and Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Yakutat City and Borough (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.