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Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Herb
Herb

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Traits

Pollinator FriendlyZone 9a Hardy

Varieties We Bring In

BronzeFoeniculum vulgareStandardFoeniculum vulgare
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$3.50
Seed PackFrom$3.69

Last received Jul 19, 2026.

We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.

Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.

LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size4-6 feet × 2-3 feet
Visit Nursery

Pet toxicity: not on file, check before planting where pets chew

Pet safety guide

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.

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

Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October.

January, other month
February, other month
March, good window
April, good window
May, good window
June, other month
July, other month
August, other month
September, good window
October, good window
November, other month, this month
December, other month
This monthGood windowOther months

Seasonal care

Good planting window.

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. Mature size: 4-6 feet × 2-3 feet. Light: Full Sun. Water needs: Moderate. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.

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.