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When to plant Fennel in Kenton County, KY

Kenton County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Fennel between April 25 (after last frost on April 18) and May 16.

When to Plant Fennel in Kenton 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.

Kenton County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.

At an elevation of 3,323 feet, Kenton County receives approximately 44.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Fennel during the growing season.

Kenton County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
188 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
188 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Kenton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Fennel Planting Timeline — Kenton County, KY

Fennel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Aug 15

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 6b

📆 Growing Season

188 days in Kenton County

Growing Tips for Kenton 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 Kenton County, KY?

Kenton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kenton County, KY?

Kenton County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Fennel in Kenton County, KY?

In Kenton County, KY, plant Fennel after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kenton County, KY for Fennel?

Kenton County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Fennel grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Fennel grow in Kenton County's climate?

Yes — Fennel grows well in Kenton County's temperate climate. Kenton County averages a 188-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 23.

🌱

Your Kenton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kenton County (Zone 6b). 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 Kenton County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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