When to Plant Fennel in Freestone County, TX
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.
Freestone County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 398 feet, Freestone County receives approximately 71.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Fennel during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Fennel, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fennel root diseases.
Freestone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.9-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Fennel
Fennel needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Fennel Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 12.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Freestone County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fennel Planting Timeline — Freestone County, TX
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 21 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
247 days in Freestone County
Growing Tips for Freestone 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 Freestone County, TX?
Freestone County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Freestone County, TX?
Freestone County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 13.
Your Freestone County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Freestone County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.