How to Grow Fennel in Australia
A cool-season leafy crop for the home garden
Growing Fennel rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$3-6/week, a versatile vegetable and herb in one plant.
This guide covers when to plant Fennel in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Fennel is a cool-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Fennel full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 30cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 30 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 10 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 25 degrees.
Keep away from most vegetables, allelopathic. Fronds, pollen and bulb all edible. Bronze fennel makes a stunning ornamental backdrop.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids. The main diseases to watch are Leaf spot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Fennel is typically ready to harvest in around 80 days (about 3 months). Fridge in a bag, up to 1 week. Fronds use within 2 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, fennel is good sliced raw in salads with citrus, roasted with olive oil until caramelised, fronds used as a herb with fish and seeds used in bread, sausage and tea. Nutritionally: aids digestion and reduces bloating and contains antioxidants and minerals.
Companion Planting
Keep it away from Tomato, Beans and Coriander. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Fennel Growing
Add fennel to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fennel in Australia?
Fennel is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Fennel take to grow?
Fennel is generally ready to harvest in around 80 days (about 3 months).
Can I grow Fennel in a pot?
Yes. Fennel grows well in a container of 30cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Fennel need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Fennel in the Plant Library
