When to plant fennel in zone 7b — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 7B

Growing SeasonZone 7b

Last frost ~Apr 5First frost ~Nov 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Mar 22 · First harvest May 26 · Wrap by Jul 21

Last spring frostApr 5

Direct sowMar 22

First harvestMay 26

Last harvestJul 21

Fall succession sowAug 23

First fall frostNov 1

Why these dates work in zone 7b

Zone 7b's last spring frost averages Apr 5 and first fall frost Nov 1 — about 210 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 23 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

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

Fennel matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 7b that means sowing around Mar 22 and first picking around May 26.

Will fennel survive frost in zone 7b?

Yes — fennel tolerates light frost. In zone 7b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 5) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 1).

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

Yes — in zone 7b there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 23 for a second harvest before frost.

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