Herbs
Fennel
Fronds and dry seed heads; choose Florence fennel for swollen bases.
Sowing & planting windows in Australia
Planting timing varies by broad Australian gardening zone. Local weather, unusual seasons and your garden’s microclimate can shift timing.
Cool
Sow · Sep–Oct
Core months: September, October
Possible / shoulder months: November
Temperate
Sow · Jan–Apr, Sep–Dec
Core months: January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
Possible / shoulder months: August
Subtropical
Sow · Aug–Sep
Core months: August, September
Possible / shoulder months: July, October
Tropical
Sow · Apr–Jun
Core months: April, May, June
Possible / shoulder months: March, July
Arid
Sow · Mar
Core months: March
Getting started
Sow directly where plants will grow; thin seedlings to the spacing needed at maturity.
The right conditions
Choose sun to light shade and fertile, free-draining soil; protect from harsh heat where appropriate.
As it grows
Water while establishing, then avoid prolonged waterlogging. Trim or pinch regularly to encourage useful leafy growth and airflow.
Ready to harvest
Cut fronds as needed; for Florence fennel, cut the swollen base at soil level before it becomes tough, or collect dry seed heads.
Plant guidance: Desk-reviewed; not field-tested. Planting windows are a guide rather than a rule.