When to Plant Fennel in Hemphill 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.
Hemphill County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 3,231 feet, Hemphill County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Fennel may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Fennel will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fennel root diseases.
Hemphill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.7
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hemphill County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fennel Planting Timeline — Hemphill County, TX
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Hemphill County
Growing Tips for Hemphill 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 Hemphill County, TX?
Hemphill County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hemphill County, TX?
Hemphill County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 23.
Your Hemphill County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hemphill County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.