When to Plant Fennel in Llano 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.
Llano County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.
At an elevation of 1,968 feet, Llano County receives approximately 50.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Fennel during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fennel root diseases.
Llano County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.5
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Llano County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fennel Planting Timeline — Llano County, TX
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| 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
239 days in Llano County
Growing Tips for Llano 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 Llano County, TX?
Llano County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Llano County, TX?
Llano County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 13.
Your Llano County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Llano 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.