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When to plant Fennel in Dougherty County County,

Spring Fennel in Dougherty County County goes in March 7–March 28, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Fennel in Dougherty County, GA

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.

Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 269 feet, Dougherty County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Fennel may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Fennel, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fennel root diseases.

Dougherty County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18
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Dougherty County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Fennel

Fennel 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 Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Fennel Planting Timeline — Dougherty County, GA

Fennel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 24 Jan 24 – Feb 7
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Direct Sow March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 28
Harvest May 16 May 16 – Jun 27

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
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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

256 days in Dougherty County

Growing Tips for Dougherty 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 Dougherty County, GA?

Dougherty County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dougherty County, GA?

Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

When should I plant Fennel in Dougherty County County, ?

In Dougherty County County, , plant Fennel after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dougherty County County, for Fennel?

Dougherty County 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 Dougherty County County's climate?

Yes — Fennel grows well in Dougherty County County's temperate climate. Dougherty County County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.

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Your Dougherty County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dougherty 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 Dougherty County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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