When to plant Fennel in Hancock County, IL
Plant Fennel in Hancock County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 21. Continue planting through May 12 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Fennel in Hancock County, IL
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.
Hancock County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 758 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 37.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Fennel during the growing season.
Hancock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fennel Planting Timeline — Hancock County, IL
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Hancock County
Growing Tips for Hancock 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 Hancock County, IL?
Hancock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hancock County, IL?
Hancock County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Fennel in Hancock County, IL?
In Hancock County, IL, plant Fennel after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hancock County, IL for Fennel?
Hancock County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Fennel grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fennel grow in Hancock County's climate?
Yes — Fennel grows well in Hancock County's temperate climate. Hancock County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 18.
Your Hancock County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hancock County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.