When to plant fennel in zone 7a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7A

Growing SeasonZone 7a

Last frost ~Apr 15First frost ~Oct 25Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow Apr 1 · First harvest Jun 5 · Wrap by Jul 31

Last spring frostApr 15

Direct sowApr 1

First harvestJun 5

Last harvestJul 31

Fall succession sowAug 16

First fall frostOct 25

Why these dates work in zone 7a

Zone 7a's last spring frost averages Apr 15 and first fall frost Oct 25 — about 193 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 16 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does fennel take to grow in zone 7a?

Fennel matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 7a that means sowing around Apr 1 and first picking around Jun 5.

Will fennel survive frost in zone 7a?

Yes — fennel tolerates light frost. In zone 7a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 25).

Can I plant a second crop of fennel in zone 7a?

Yes — in zone 7a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 16 for a second harvest before frost.

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