When to Plant Fennel in Rusk 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.
Rusk County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.
At an elevation of 252 feet, Rusk County receives approximately 66.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Fennel during the growing season. 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.
Rusk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 11.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Rusk County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fennel Planting Timeline — Rusk County, TX
Fennel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jul 6 |
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
253 days in Rusk County
Growing Tips for Rusk 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 Rusk County, TX?
Rusk County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Fennel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rusk County, TX?
Rusk County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.
Your Rusk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rusk 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.