Can You Grow Fennel in Zone 9?

Types

• Two types of fennel, a native of the Mediterranean, widely grow in herb and vegetable gardens in North America. Common fennel is a perennial plant, although some grow it as an annual. Common fennel is used for the flavor of its young, tender leaves and its anise-flavored seeds. Numerous cultivars exist of common fennel, including those with bronze-purple foliage. Florence fennel, also called finocchio, is an annual grown for its edible leaf bases. Cooks often chop Finocchio's leaves for use as a garnish or seasoning.

Time Frame

• Both types of fennel thrive in USDA Zone 9 year round, but especially when there's no threat of winter frosts. Typically, common fennel is grown from seed or as young potted transplants, planted outdoors in the garden in early spring. The roots develop in the warm, moist spring soils and are established by the time the hot summer months arrive. Flowering occurs in the second growing season and yields seeds. If you are only interested in fennel's foliage, plant it anytime of year and expect occasional drought, excessive heat or winter frost to kill it back. In USDA zone 9 Finocchio grows as an annual that's planted in spring or early fall.

Geographical Considerations

• In the low and intermediate deserts of the American Southwest, common fennel works best as an annual. Plant the seeds or young transplants in winter, and harvest leaves through spring and summer until the plants succumb to heat and drought. Finocchio is grown only during the late fall to early spring months. Conversely, in Florida where summers are humid and riddled with rain, sow fennel outside the summer rainy season. Common fennel plants survive temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit without damage and resprout leaves once warmth returns. Finocchio grows best as a fall to spring season veggie crop here, too.

Growing Tips

• Whenever you decide to grow these fennels in USDA zone 9, the proper garden conditions improve success. Choose a well-drained sandy or loamy soil that isn't acidic (pH lower than 7.0). Till the soil deeply before planting, as fennels appreciate a crumbly, loose soil for their roots to penetrate. Drought-tolerant, common fennel can succumb to stem and root rot in overly wet soil conditions. In Hawaii and California, fennel is considered a nuisance weed because it produces a huge number of seeds after flowering that birds eat and spread.