Basics

Ease of Growing
Moderate
Grown as
Perennial
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Hardy

Fennel is fairly hardy and prefers cooler temperatures.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot

Fennel needs rich soil and cool growing temperatures. Keep plants well-watered throughout the growing season.

Outdoor Growing Temp
45°F - 90°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
50°F

Fennel is native to coastal areas and prefers a cool climate.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot)

Fennel likes full sun and can tolerate hotter and drier conditions that most crops.

Water
Moderate

The soil should be kept evenly moist for rapid growth, but be careful because Fennel doesn't like wet soil. A mulch will help to conserve moisture in warm weather.

Feeder
Light

Fennel is a fairly light feeder and doesn't need very rich soil.

Suitability
Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?
No
Containers?
Yes

Fennel is a good option for container growing. Choose containers that are 10 to 16" wide and with room for at least 30" of soil. Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Line the bottom with gravel and cover with potting soil. Water evenly to moisten the soil and place in an area with full sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soaked, making sure that the soil does not dry out.

Attracts beneficial insects?
Yes
Color
green foliage, coppery bronze flowers
Fruit Size
- "
Plant Height
48.0 - 60.0"
Plant Diameter
18.0 - 24.0"
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Mellow anise-flavored seeds, and licorice flavored foliage.

Rotation Group
Perennial