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When to Plant Fennel (herb) in Taylor County, FL

Taylor County, Florida Zone 9a May

This month in Taylor County, Florida

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Taylor County, Florida this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost March 6
Avg. first frost November 23
Soil temp (4") 75°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.5 hrs
  1. Pick fennel (herb)

    Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.

Looking ahead to June
  • First harvests: fennel (herb)

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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.

Taylor County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 344 feet, Taylor County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Fennel (herb) during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Fennel (herb) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fennel (herb) root diseases.

Taylor County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Taylor County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Taylor County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Fennel (herb) Planting Timeline — Taylor County, FL

Fennel (herb) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Direct Sow February 13 Feb 13 – Mar 6
Harvest May 1 May 1 – Jul 10
Fall Sowing September 28 Sep 28 – Oct 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
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

262 days in Taylor County

Growing Tips for Taylor County

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

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Green Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fennel (herb) in Taylor County, FL?

Taylor County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Fennel (herb) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Taylor County, FL?

Taylor County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.

🌱

Your Taylor County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Taylor 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 Taylor County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.