How to Grow Florence Fennel

Updated June 2026

A cool-season fruiting crop for the home garden.

Florence Fennel is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

🌱 Plant profile: Florence Fennel, with sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.

When to plant

Florence Fennel is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the florence fennel page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Zefa Fino, Bolt-resistant bulbing fennel (Johnny's Selected Seeds)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 10 in between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 1.3 gal per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids and Slugs. In humid regions, space plants for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Florence Fennel is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant florence fennel where you garden.

See also: Florence Fennel in the plant library →

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