When to plant fennel in zone 6b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6B

Growing SeasonZone 6b

Last frost ~Apr 20First frost ~Oct 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Sow Apr 6 · First harvest Jun 10 · Wrap by Aug 5

Last spring frostApr 20

Direct sowApr 6

First harvestJun 10

Last harvestAug 5

Fall succession sowAug 6

First fall frostOct 15

Why these dates work in zone 6b

Zone 6b's last spring frost averages Apr 20 and first fall frost Oct 15 — about 178 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 6 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

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

Fennel matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 6b that means sowing around Apr 6 and first picking around Jun 10.

Will fennel survive frost in zone 6b?

Yes — fennel tolerates light frost. In zone 6b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 20) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 15).

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

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

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