Quick Facts:

• Days to harvest: 65–80 (bulb)
• Hardiness: Frost-tolerant as a seedling; mature plants handle light frost
• Light needs: Full sun
• Water needs: Moderate (consistent, but well-draining — doesn't like wet feet)

Planting:

• Direct sow is strongly preferred — fennel has a taproot and dislikes transplanting. Start in place.
• Timing: Zone 8b — direct sow in early spring (Mar–Apr) or late summer (Aug) for fall harvest. Fall is often better for bulbing.
• Depth: 1/4 in
• Spacing: 10–12 in apart for bulbing fennel

Care:

• Isolation: Keep fennel away from most other garden plants — it's allelopathic and can inhibit growth nearby. Tomatoes especially dislike it. Give it its own space.
• Hill soil up around the base as the bulb swells to keep it white and mild.
• Every part is edible — fronds, stalks, bulb, flowers, and seeds. Don't waste the tops.
• Self-seeds readily if allowed to flower — great if you want it to come back, less great if you don't.

Harvest:

• Bulbs: harvest when 3–4 in across, before they get tough or bolt.
• Fronds: snip anytime once the plant is established.
• Seeds: allow to flower and dry on the plant, then collect.
• Storage: Refrigerate bulbs wrapped, use within a week. Fronds are best fresh.