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When to Plant Fennel in Akron, Ohio (44310)

Location

Akron, Ohio

ZIP Code

44310

USDA Zone

6b

Last Frost

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Based on last frost Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · Zone 6b

Pro tip: Start Fennel seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Foeniculum vulgare
Days to Maturity 80 days

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Fennel in Akron?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

Dill
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Fennel

See which plants help Fennel thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Harvest umbels when seeds turn gray-green to brown — just before they drop.

Processing

Cut seed heads into a bag, dry 1–2 weeks, thresh to separate seeds.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Fennel cross-pollinates with dill — keep at least 300 feet apart or sacrifice one crop when saving seed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fennel in Akron, Ohio? +

In Akron (Zone 6b), start Fennel seeds indoors around Wednesday, March 18, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Akron, Ohio? +

The average last spring frost date for Akron, Ohio (ZIP 44310) is around Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6b.

How long does Fennel take to grow? +

Fennel typically matures in about 80 days from transplanting. In Akron, that means you can expect harvest around Wednesday, April 1, 2026 plus 80 days.

Should I start Fennel indoors or direct sow in Ohio? +

Fennel should be started indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. In Akron, that means starting around Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Other Plants for Akron

Growing Fennel in Zone 6b

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a popular garden vegetable. In Akron, Ohio, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should start seeds indoors around Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Fennel seedlings outdoors around Wednesday, April 1, 2026, about -2 weeks after your last frost date.