When to plant fennel in zone 8b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Mar 1 · First harvest May 5 · Wrap by Jun 30

Last spring frostMar 15

Direct sowMar 1

First harvestMay 5

Last harvestJun 30

Fall succession sowSep 6

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 Sep 6 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does fennel take to grow in zone 8b?

Fennel matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 8b that means sowing around Mar 1 and first picking around May 5.

Will fennel survive frost in zone 8b?

Yes — fennel tolerates light frost. In zone 8b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Mar 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

Can I plant a second crop of fennel in zone 8b?

Yes — in zone 8b there's time for a fall sowing around Sep 6 for a second harvest before frost.

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