When to plant Fennel in Macon County, MO
Aim to plant Fennel in Macon County on or after April 24; the window stays open through May 15. Macon County's 183-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Fennel in Macon County, MO
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.
Macon County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 974 feet, Macon County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fennel to ensure they mature before fall.
Macon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fennel Planting Timeline — Macon County, MO
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Macon County
Growing Tips for Macon 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 Macon County, MO?
Macon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Macon County, MO?
Macon County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Fennel in Macon County, MO?
In Macon County, MO, plant Fennel after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Macon County, MO for Fennel?
Macon County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Fennel grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fennel grow in Macon County's climate?
Yes — Fennel grows well in Macon County's temperate climate. Macon County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.
Your Macon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Macon County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.