How to grow Fennel in Australia
Grow herb fennel in full sun in free-draining soil, where it forms a tall, airy perennial. Water while young, then it tolerates dry spells.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 80 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to August | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to August | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to August | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to August | Sow Mar to Aug in Melbourne. Cool temps delay bolting. Later sowings mature in cool months. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to August | |
| Perth & WA | March to August | |
| Tasmania | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov. Herb fennel is a fully hardy perennial in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | March to August | Fennel sow Mar to Aug; cool-season biennial; avoid late summer sowing which triggers bolting; succession sow for continuous bulbs. |
| North Queensland | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. Fennel prefers cooler tropical months. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. Fennel prefers cooler tropical months. |
Companion planting
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Snip the feathery fronds any time for herb use, or cut whole flower heads for seed. The plant keeps regrowing fronds after cutting.
Storage
Fridge in a bag, up to 1 week. Fronds use within 2 days.