How to Grow Florence Fennel in New Zealand
Grown for the swollen anise-flavoured bulb and distinct from herb fennel. Bolts easily in heat or if transplanted roughly, so in Auckland direct sow in late summer to autumn for a cool-season crop. Keep evenly moist and hill soil up around the bulb as it swells.
When to plant florence 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 florence fennel varieties for NZ
- Finale — Bolt-resistant variety forming large rounded anise-flavoured bulbs. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Florence (Di Firenze) — Traditional sweet aniseed bulb fennel, good crisp texture. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow florence fennel
- Space plants about 25cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow florence fennel near: Lettuce, Peas.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Slugs. 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 Florence Fennel plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant florence 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 florence fennel seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds.