Orion is a hybrid Florence fennel grown for its crisp, rounded bulb rather than for feathery fronds or seed. Its compact, uniform habit and strong bulb quality make it easier for beginners to get a real slicing bulb instead of a lanky herb patch. Plant it in spring or, better yet in warm regions, for fall harvest so heat does not trigger premature bolting.
At a Glance
Days to Maturity
80–90 days
Sun
6+ hours
full sun 6-8 hours in cool weather; light afternoon shade helps in warmer zones
Spacing
8–10 "
Seed Start
4–6 weeks
before transplant
Container
Not Ideal
3+ gallon pot
Height
1.5–3 ft
Zone Planting Guide
Growing Guide
Germination
Germination Time7–14 days
Optimal Temp68°F
Seed Depth0.25"
Transplanting
Min Soil Temp50°F
Harden Off5 days
Watering
Weekly Water1–1.5 "
NeedsConsistent
MethodDrip
Soil
pH Range6–7
Soil TypeLoose, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and free of compaction.
Resilience
Heat: LowCold: ModerateDrought: Low
Common Problems
bolting
Cause: Heat, long days, root disturbance, or a hard growth check push plants into flowering before bulbs size.
Prevention: Time for cool seasons, transplant carefully, and keep moisture even.
aphids
Cause: Dense foliage and warm weather can bring aphids to new growth and flower stalks.
Prevention: Rinse plants, encourage beneficial insects, and avoid excess nitrogen.
tipburn
Cause: Rapid growth combined with uneven moisture and localized calcium stress.
Prevention: Keep irrigation steady and avoid severe dry-wet swings.
Nutrition
Feeding IntensityModerate feeder
Recommended RecipesRoot drench
Harvest
Harvest when the bulb is rounded, white to pale green, and about the size of a tennis ball before it elongates or sends up a flower stalk.
Expected Yield0.5–1 lbs/plant
Storage
14 days — Refrigerate unwashed bulbs in the crisper; trim fronds separately if keeping them for garnish.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Lettuce
Shares the same cool-season timing and benefits from steady moisture.
Beet
Pairs well in cool-season beds with similar irrigation needs.
Avoid Planting Near
Bean
Traditional companion lore and dense summer bean growth can compete with bulb fennel.
Sources
seed_catalog
Kitchen Garden Seeds
university
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Orion Florence Fennel Planting Dates by Zone
Planting dates for Orion Florence Fennel vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.
