Fennel Florence is a versatile herb producing feathery, aromatic leaves and a swollen bulb resembling celery. The sweet, anise-like flavor enhances soups, seafood, and salads, while the bulb adds a crisp texture to roasted dishes. Thriving in sunlit gardens, this tender perennial is a must-have for culinary and ornamental use.
Fennel Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow fennel seeds outdoors in early spring, after the last frost date, or in late summer for a fall crop. Fennel thrives in cool to moderate temperatures.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining, fertile soil. Fennel grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade in warmer climates.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Fennel prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 12-18 inches apart in rows or clusters.
- Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing once they are a few inches tall.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days. Fennel requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start fennel seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, placing 1-2 seeds per pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and mist gently to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-14 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Fennel
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Fennel prefers bright conditions but tolerates partial shade in hotter climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stunt growth.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to support vigorous growth.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flower stalks to encourage fresh foliage. If growing fennel for bulbs, mound soil around the base to blanch them as they develop.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for aphids, which can be treated with organic insecticidal soap. Proper spacing helps prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
- Harvesting:
- For Leaves: Harvest fresh leaves as needed once the plant is 6-8 inches tall. Snip leaves near the base to encourage regrowth.
- For Bulbs: Harvest bulbs when they reach 3-4 inches in diameter, typically 90-120 days after planting. Cut the bulb at the base, leaving the roots intact for potential regrowth.
- For Seeds: Allow flower heads to mature and dry on the plant. Harvest seeds by cutting the flower stalks and shaking the seeds into a container.
- Storage: Store fresh fennel leaves in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bulbs can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. Dry seeds and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
