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When to plant Fennel in Hickman County, KY

Hickman County gardeners should plant Fennel between April 4 and April 25 in spring. With Hickman County's Zone 7a climate (last frost March 28), Fennel needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by August 2 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Fennel in Hickman County, KY

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.

Hickman County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 1,219 feet, Hickman County receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Fennel during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fennel root diseases.

Hickman County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
217 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Hickman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Fennel Planting Timeline — Hickman County, KY

Fennel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 – Apr 25
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 – Jul 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

217 days in Hickman County

Growing Tips for Hickman 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 Hickman County, KY?

Hickman County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hickman County, KY?

Hickman County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Fennel in Hickman County, KY?

In Hickman County, KY, plant Fennel after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hickman County, KY for Fennel?

Hickman County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Fennel grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Fennel grow in Hickman County's climate?

Yes — Fennel grows well in Hickman County's temperate climate. Hickman County averages a 217-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around October 31.

🌱

Your Hickman County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hickman County (Zone 7a). 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 Hickman County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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