When to plant Fennel in Alachua County, FL
Plant Fennel in Alachua County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 23. Continue planting through March 16 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Fennel in Alachua County, FL
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.
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 398 feet, Alachua County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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.
Alachua County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fennel Planting Timeline — Alachua County, FL
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Direct Sow | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 16 |
| Harvest | May 4 | May 4 – Jun 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Direct Sow |
| 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
277 days in Alachua County
Growing Tips for Alachua 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
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Fennel in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fennel in Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Fennel in Alachua County, FL?
In Alachua County, FL, plant Fennel after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Alachua County, FL for Fennel?
Alachua 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 Alachua County's climate?
Yes — Fennel grows well in Alachua County's temperate climate. Alachua County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.
Your Alachua County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alachua 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.