Fennel (bulb)

Herb · cool season · also called finocchio, florence fennel

Two bulbs of Florence fennel with feathery tops
Photo: Arnaud 25, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

When to plant

  • Sow seeds outdoors about around your average last spring frost.
  • It can also be grown as a fall crop, timed back from your first fall frost.
  • Ready to harvest about 80 days after planting.

Keep away from dill (they cross-pollinate). Bolts in heat.

Frost dates depend on where you live. Enter your ZIP code to get exact dates.

Growing basics

Sun
Part sun (4–6 hours)
Spacing
8–12 in
Soil temperature
At least 50°F
Time to harvest
About 80 days
Containers
At least 3 gallons
Plant family
Carrot family (umbellifers)
Harvest per plant
About 0.75 lb
Seeds keep
About 4 years

Companions

Keep apart: most garden plants. Fennel slows the growth of most garden plants. Grow it on its own.

Grow it well

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