Fennel Sweet is a fragrant, culinary herb with delicate, feathery leaves that add subtle sweetness to dishes. Perfect for salads, slaws, and herbal teas, it’s also valued for its seeds, which are widely used in baking and natural remedies. Hardy and decorative, this perennial thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
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.
