When to plant fennel in zone 10a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAY

Sow Jan 17 · First harvest Mar 23 · Wrap by May 18

Last spring frostJan 31

Direct sowJan 17

First harvestMar 23

Last harvestMay 18

Fall succession sowOct 6

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Fennel tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Oct 6 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does fennel take to grow in zone 10a?

Fennel matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 10a that means sowing around Jan 17 and first picking around Mar 23.

Will fennel survive frost in zone 10a?

Yes — fennel tolerates light frost. In zone 10a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Jan 31) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

Can I plant a second crop of fennel in zone 10a?

Yes — in zone 10a there's time for a fall sowing around Oct 6 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full fennel growing guide →