Herb
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Varieties We Carry
BronzeFoeniculum vulgareStandardFoeniculum vulgare
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$3.50
Seed PackFrom$3.69
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size4-6 feet × 2-3 feet
About Fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a tall, aromatic perennial herb native to the Mediterranean, with feathery blue-green foliage, golden umbel flowers, and a distinctive anise fragrance throughout all parts of the plant. Both the bulb, foliage, and seeds are used in cooking, and it is also an important larval host for swallowtail butterflies. Starting at $3.50.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Care essentials
Light
Grow in full sun; fennel requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. In NE Florida it performs year-round as a perennial herb, self-seeding freely in sunny beds and herb gardens.
Water
Water regularly to establish; once established, fennel is drought-tolerant in NE Florida's sandy soils. Water deeply during prolonged dry spells but avoid waterlogged conditions, which cause root rot.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in fertile, well-drained sandy or loamy soil. In NE Florida, amend with compost at planting. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer; over-fertilizing promotes lush foliage but reduces seed and essential oil production.
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Common questions
Is Fennel a good plant for St. Augustine?
Fennel is a herb for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 4-6 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.