When to plant fennel in zone 9b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUN

Sow Feb 1 · First harvest Apr 7 · Wrap by Jun 2

Last spring frostFeb 15

Direct sowFeb 1

First harvestApr 7

Last harvestJun 2

Fall succession sowOct 1

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 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 Oct 1 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does fennel take to grow in zone 9b?

Fennel matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 9b that means sowing around Feb 1 and first picking around Apr 7.

Will fennel survive frost in zone 9b?

Yes — fennel tolerates light frost. In zone 9b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Feb 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

Can I plant a second crop of fennel in zone 9b?

Yes — in zone 9b there's time for a fall sowing around Oct 1 for a second harvest before frost.

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