When to plant Fennel in Washington County, ME
Plant Fennel in Washington County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 16. Continue planting through June 6 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Fennel in Washington County, ME
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.
Washington County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,184 feet, Washington County receives approximately 43.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fennel to ensure they mature before fall.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fennel Planting Timeline — Washington County, ME
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Sep 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, ME?
Washington County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, ME?
Washington County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Fennel in Washington County, ME?
In Washington County, ME, plant Fennel after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Washington County, ME for Fennel?
Washington County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Fennel grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fennel grow in Washington County's climate?
Yes — Fennel grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 7.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.