When to Plant Fennel in Webster County, NE
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.
Webster County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 925 feet, Webster County receives approximately 23.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Fennel during the growing season.
Webster County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fennel Planting Timeline — Webster County, NE
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 23 |
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 | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Webster County
Growing Tips for Webster 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 Webster County, NE?
Webster County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Webster County, NE?
Webster County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 12.
Your Webster County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Webster 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.