When to plant fennel in zone 10b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10B

Growing SeasonZone 10b

Last frost ~Jan 15First frost ~Dec 31Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAY

Sow Jan 1 · First harvest Mar 7 · Wrap by May 2

Last spring frostJan 15

Direct sowJan 1

First harvestMar 7

Last harvestMay 2

Fall succession sowOct 22

First fall frostDec 31

Why these dates work in zone 10b

Zone 10b's last spring frost averages Jan 15 and first fall frost Dec 31 — about 350 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 22 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

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

Fennel matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 10b that means sowing around Jan 1 and first picking around Mar 7.

Will fennel survive frost in zone 10b?

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

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

Yes — in zone 10b there's time for a fall sowing around Oct 22 for a second harvest before frost.

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