When to Plant Fennel (herb) in Cairns — Tropical Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Herb fennel (common fennel) is a tall, feathery perennial grown for its anise-flavoured leaves, stems and seeds. NOT the same as Florence/bulb fennel (F. vulgare var. azoricum). Herb fennel is hardy, drought-tolerant, and can become a large landscape plant reaching 1.5-2m. Considered a weed in parts of Australia - grow responsibly.
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 25.2°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✗ Outside optimal range
How to Grow Fennel (herb) in Tropical Australia
When to Plant
Sow dry season Apr-Aug. Can establish as perennial in drier microclimates.
- Soil
- Any well-drained soil. Tolerant of poor soils. Drought tolerant once established.
- pH Range
- 5.5-7.0
- Sunlight
- Full sun.
- Spacing
- 30cm apart, 60cm between rows
- Watering
- Low water needs once established. Water regularly when young. Very drought tolerant as a perennial.
Companion plants: Dill (distant), Sage
Avoid planting near: Tomato, Bean, Capsicum, Coriander - fennel is allelopathic and inhibits growth of many vegetables
Tropical Growing Tips for Fennel (herb)
Recommended Varieties
- Common/wild fennel
- Bronze fennel (ornamental variety)
Key Challenges
- Humidity and wet feet
- Root rot risk in wet season
Pro Tips
- Raise beds for drainage
- Choose driest, sunniest spot
- May behave as annual in tropics
Harvesting Fennel (herb)
When ready: Harvest leaves anytime once plant is established. Seeds ready when brown on plant.
How to harvest: Snip feathery fronds as needed. Cut seed heads when brown and dry in paper bags. Harvest young stems for cooking.
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