When to plant Fennel in Stearns County, MN
Aim to plant Fennel in Stearns County on or after May 17; the window stays open through June 7. Stearns County's 156-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option.
When to Plant Fennel in Stearns County, MN
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.
Stearns County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 772 feet, Stearns County receives approximately 37.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fennel to ensure they mature before fall.
Stearns County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fennel Planting Timeline — Stearns County, MN
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 |
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 4b
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Stearns County
Growing Tips for Stearns 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Fennel in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fennel in Stearns County, MN?
Stearns County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stearns County, MN?
Stearns County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Fennel in Stearns County, MN?
In Stearns County, MN, plant Fennel after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stearns County, MN for Fennel?
Stearns County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Fennel grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fennel grow in Stearns County's climate?
Yes — Fennel grows well in Stearns County's temperate climate. Stearns County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 6.
Your Stearns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stearns County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.