How to Grow Fennel in New Zealand
Keep it away from most other vegetables as it suppresses their growth. Fronds, pollen and bulb are all usable, and bronze fennel makes a striking backdrop. Bulb fennel forms best in cool conditions and bolts if stressed in heat.
When to plant fennel in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best fennel varieties for NZ
- Florence Fennel (Bulb) — Grown for swollen aniseed-flavoured bulbs, best in cool conditions. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Bronze Fennel (Herb) — Tall feathery bronze foliage for fronds, pollen and ornamental use. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow fennel
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 80 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Fennel plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant fennel in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy fennel seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.