Fennel is an aromatic herb with a distinct anise/licorice flavor. It is a hardy, perennial herb with bright green, feathery leaves and a thick, white bulbous base. The plant grows to about five feet in height and has yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. Fennel is a versatile ingredient in many recipes, from salads and soups to sauces and roasts. It is also high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Planning Your Garden With Fennel
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Fennel is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | Fennel is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Fennel is a cold-hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures as low as 20. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest fennel is 70-90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown fennel plant is about 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Fennel prefers a spacing of about 12-18 inches between plants. |
| Sun tolerance | Fennel is considered to be a full sun plant, meaning that it prefers to be grown in areas that receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. |
| Shade tolerance | Fennel is tolerant of light shade but prefers full sun. It does not do well in deep shade. |
| Water requirements | Fennel prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It should be watered regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week. However, it should not be overwatered, as this can lead to root rot. Fennel also benefits from occasional deep watering to encourage a deep root system. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing fennel depends on the type of soil you are using and the type of fertilizer you are using. Generally, a light application of a balanced fertilizer should be applied at planting time and then again when the plants are about 6 inches tall. If you are using a slow-release fertilizer, you may only need to apply it once. |
| Soil pH | Fennel prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Fennel is Popular
People like to grow fennel for a variety of reasons. Fennel is an attractive plant with tall, feathery foliage and fragrant yellow flowers. It has an anise-like flavor that is used in many dishes, and the leaves and seeds are often used as a seasoning. Fennel is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, and it is known to be beneficial for digestion. Additionally, fennel is easy to grow and is tolerant of a variety of growing conditions.
Companion Plants For Fennel
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for fennel include:
Common Pests For Fennel
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow fennel, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leaf miners
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
