When to plant fennel in zone 6a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Sow Apr 16 · First harvest Jun 20 · Wrap by Aug 15

Last spring frostApr 30

Direct sowApr 16

First harvestJun 20

Last harvestAug 15

Fall succession sowAug 1

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 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 Aug 1 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does fennel take to grow in zone 6a?

Fennel matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 6a that means sowing around Apr 16 and first picking around Jun 20.

Will fennel survive frost in zone 6a?

Yes — fennel tolerates light frost. In zone 6a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

Can I plant a second crop of fennel in zone 6a?

Yes — in zone 6a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 1 for a second harvest before frost.

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