I studied horticultural sciences at university and in my free time you can find me in my own patch of land, growing anything with roots. I am particularly passionate about self-sufficiency and seasonal food. Favourite fruit: quince, cornelian cherry and blueberries Favourite vegetables: peas, tomatoes and garlic
No garden should be without fennel. As a vegetable, culinary herb, spice and medicinal plant, it brings so much to the table. Here are our top tips on growing fennel in the garden and in pots.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a Mediterranean plant that is now popular in our gardens too. This article tells you what you should bear in mind when sowing and planting fennel.
Hey there, fellow gardeners! I’m Laura from Meadowlark Journal, and today I’m super excited to share my experience and knowledge about companion planting with fennel. After years of experimenting in my own garden, I’ve learned quite a bit about what works (and what definitely doesn’t) when it comes to planting alongside this aromatic herb.
Why Fennel Can Be Tricky
Before we dive into the good stuff, let me be real with you – fennel isn’t exactly the friendliest plant in the garden. It’s kinda like that one person at a party who doesn’t get along with everyone! The plant releases compounds that can inhibit the growth of other plants (fancy word: allelopathic properties). But don’t worry, I’ve got some tried-and-true companions that actually thrive alongside fennel.
Best Companion Plants for Fennel
Here are my top picks for plants that play nice with fennel
1. Flowering Plants
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Geums
- Mexican Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus)
These flowers not only look pretty but also help with
- Attracting beneficial insects
- Natural pest control
- Adding color to your garden
2. Herbs
- Dill
- Coriander
- Anise
Pro tip: These herbs share similar growing requirements with fennel and can create a lovely herb garden section!
Plants to Keep Away from Fennel
Listen up this is important! Never plant fennel near
- Tomatoes
- Beans
- Peas
- Other members of the nightshade family
I learned this the hard way when my tomato plants looked super sad after being planted too close to fennel. Trust me on this one!
How to Successfully Grow Fennel with Companions
1. Spacing Matters
Minimum Distance Requirements:------------------------Plant Type | Distance from Fennel------------- | ------------------Companions | 12-18 inchesSensitive | 4-5 feet minimum2. Soil Requirements
- Well-draining soil
- pH between 5.5-6.8
- Rich in organic matter
3. Sunlight Needs
- Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- South-facing location preferred
Benefits of Growing Fennel in Your Garden
Even though fennel can be a bit fussy, here’s why I still love having it in my garden:
-
Attracts Beneficial Insects
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Ladybugs
- Parasitic wasps (the good kind!)
-
Multiple Uses
- Culinary (both bulb and seeds)
- Medicinal properties
- Ornamental value
Smart Planting Strategies
Here’s what I’ve found works best:
-
Container Planting
- Use 12-inch deep containers
- Perfect for controlling spread
- Easier to manage companions
-
Dedicated Bed
- Create a separate area for fennel
- Surround with compatible flowers
- Maintain proper spacing
My Personal Tips for Success
After lots of trial and error, here are some things I’ve learned:
-
Start small! Don’t plant too much fennel at once until you see how it affects your garden.
-
Monitor your plants regularly – if you notice any neighboring plants struggling, it might be time to increase the spacing.
-
Consider growing fennel in containers if you’re worried about its effects on other plants.
-
Use fennel as a natural pest deterrent by strategically placing it near plants that often get bug problems (just make sure they’re compatible first!)
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring: Perfect time to sow seeds
- Summer: Watch for bolting in hot weather
- Fall: Great time for a second planting
- Winter: Protect from harsh frosts
Common Questions I Get About Fennel Companions
Q: Can I plant anything near fennel?
A: While fennel isn’t super friendly, it does work well with flowers like marigolds and herbs like dill. Just keep it away from vegetables like tomatoes and beans.
Q: How do I know if fennel is affecting my other plants?
A: Watch for stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or poor germination in nearby plants. These are usually the first signs of allelopathic effects.
Final Thoughts
Growing fennel successfully with companion plants isn’t rocket science, but it does require some planning and attention. I’ve found that the key is to respect its need for space while taking advantage of its beneficial properties.
Remember, gardening is all about experimenting and learning from our mistakes. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations – just keep notes about what works and what doesn’t in your garden.
Would you like to learn more about companion planting? Check out my other guides on the Meadowlark Journal blog, where I share more tips and tricks for creating a thriving garden ecosystem.
This article was last updated on July 24, 2025. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
Planting fennel: where to plant the seedlings
Fennel grows best in sheltered, warm, sunny places with deep, moist, nutrient-rich, slightly chalky and sandy loam soils. Fennel can be cultivated in a raised bed or simply in a vegetable patch. It is also possible to grow fennel in pots on balconies and terraces, as long as the pots are large and high enough for the deep-rooted plant. For poor soils, be sure to enrich it with some mature compost in spring before planting your fennel to provide plenty of nutrients and improve the soil structure.
Fennel plants can be grown from March onwards in a warm, bright windowsill [Photo: fiore26/ Shutterstock.com]
Planting fennel: how it works
Fennel is best grown as a main crop in the garden in successive rows. This allows a continuous harvest from July to October. If possible, keep a three to four year cultivation break between fennel and other umbellifer (Apiaceae) crops, such as carrots (Daucus carota), parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and chervil (Chaerophyllum bulbosum), to avoid the spread of plant diseases and soil fatigue. Fast-growing leafy vegetables such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea) or lettuce are good crops for growing before fennel.