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When to plant Fennel in Clinton County, IN

Clinton County gardeners should plant Fennel between April 29 and May 20 in spring. With Clinton County's Zone 6a climate (last frost April 22), Fennel needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by July 19 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Fennel in Clinton County, IN

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.

Clinton County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

At an elevation of 1,116 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Fennel during the growing season.

Clinton County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Clinton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Fennel Planting Timeline — Clinton County, IN

Fennel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 – Aug 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
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

178 days in Clinton County

Growing Tips for Clinton 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 Clinton County, IN?

Clinton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clinton County, IN?

Clinton County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Fennel in Clinton County, IN?

In Clinton County, IN, plant Fennel after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clinton County, IN for Fennel?

Clinton 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 Clinton County's climate?

Yes — Fennel grows well in Clinton County's temperate climate. Clinton County averages a 178-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton 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.

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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 Clinton County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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