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When to plant Fennel in Wilkin County, MN

Plant Fennel in Wilkin County during the brief May 25–June 15 window. With 142 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 30.

When to Plant Fennel in Wilkin 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.

Wilkin County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 1,365 feet, Wilkin County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fennel to ensure they mature before fall.

Wilkin County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Wilkin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Fennel Planting Timeline — Wilkin County, MN

Fennel Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors June 1 Jun 1 – Jun 15
Direct Sow May 25 May 25 – Jun 15
Harvest August 3 Aug 3 – Sep 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April
May Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

142 days in Wilkin County

Growing Tips for Wilkin 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 Wilkin County, MN?

Wilkin County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wilkin County, MN?

Wilkin County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 30.

When should I plant Fennel in Wilkin County, MN?

In Wilkin County, MN, plant Fennel after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wilkin County, MN for Fennel?

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

Can Fennel grow in Wilkin County's climate?

Yes — Fennel grows well in Wilkin County's temperate climate. Wilkin County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 30.

🌱

Your Wilkin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wilkin County (Zone 4a). 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 Wilkin County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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