- Hardiness Zone: 2-5 Biennial Typically Grown As An Annual
- Hardiness Zone: 6-10 Perennial Typically Grown As An Annual
Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage.
When to Plant: Fennel is a cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Starting Indoors: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 60-70°F (15-21°C). Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 4-6 true leaves.
Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1/4 inch deep and 6-12 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to stand 12-18 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water fennel regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization: Fennel benefits from moderate feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time and again when the plants are 3-4 weeks old. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of bulb development.
Mulching and Weeding: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots of the fennel.
Blanching: To blanch the bulbs and improve their flavor, mound soil around the base of the plants when they are about the size of a golf ball. This will keep the bulbs tender and white.
Pest and Disease Management: Fennel is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally suffer from aphids and fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
When to Harvest: Florence Fennel is typically ready to harvest 80-90 days after planting. Harvest when the bulbs are 3-4 inches in diameter and firm to the touch.
How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the bulb at the base, just above the soil level. You can also harvest the feathery leaves as needed for culinary use.
Storing Fresh Fennel: Freshly harvested fennel bulbs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place the bulbs in a plastic bag or container to retain moisture. Fennel leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use.
Culinary Uses: Bulbs: Fennel bulbs can be sliced and added to salads, roasted, grilled, or used in soups and stews. Their sweet, anise-like flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Culinary Uses: Leaves: The feathery leaves can be used as an herb to flavor salads, sauces, and fish dishes. They also make a lovely garnish.
Visit Our Detailed Fennel Growing Guide and Tips!
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor Profile: Florence Fennel offers a mild, sweet flavor with hints of anise and licorice, adding a refreshing and aromatic touch to both raw and cooked dishes.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for roasting, grilling, or sautéing, Florence Fennel is also delicious when thinly sliced and added to salads for a crisp, refreshing crunch. Its bulb is perfect for braising or adding to soups and stews, while the fronds can be used as a flavorful garnish or seasoning for fish, poultry, and vegetables. The entire plant, from bulb to fronds, can be used in cooking, making it a highly versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance: Florence Fennel produces a swollen, white bulb at the base with tall, feathery green fronds that resemble dill. The plant’s elegant appearance adds ornamental value to the garden while providing a flavorful harvest.
Height: This variety typically grows to about 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall, with the bulb growing to around 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in diameter, making it ideal for garden beds or containers.
Growth Habit: Florence Fennel thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and matures in about 80-90 days. It is a cool-season crop that performs well in both spring and fall. Regular watering and consistent harvesting of the fronds help encourage bulb growth, ensuring a flavorful harvest.
Benefits of Growing Florence Fennel
Unique Flavor: The mild, sweet flavor with subtle anise notes makes Florence Fennel a unique and versatile addition to a wide range of dishes.
High Culinary Value: Both the bulb and fronds are edible, providing multiple culinary uses from a single plant, making it a valuable addition to any garden and kitchen.
Nutrient-Rich: Florence Fennel is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and overall wellness.
Attractive and Aromatic: The tall, feathery fronds and swollen bulb of Florence Fennel make it both an attractive ornamental plant and a productive vegetable crop in the garden.
Seeds Per Packet
100mg | Approximately 120 |
250mg | Approximately 300 |
750mg | Approximately 900 |
1g | Approximately 1,200 |
Elevate your gardening and culinary experiences with Florence Fennel. Its unique flavor, versatility, and striking appearance make it a must-have for any herb or vegetable garden. Enjoy the fresh, aromatic taste of homegrown fennel in your favorite dishes, straight from your garden to your table!
Visit Our Detailed Fennel Growing Guide and Tips!
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor Profile: Florence Fennel offers a mild, sweet flavor with hints of anise and licorice, adding a refreshing and aromatic touch to both raw and cooked dishes.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for roasting, grilling, or sautéing, Florence Fennel is also delicious when thinly sliced and added to salads for a crisp, refreshing crunch. Its bulb is perfect for braising or adding to soups and stews, while the fronds can be used as a flavorful garnish or seasoning for fish, poultry, and vegetables. The entire plant, from bulb to fronds, can be used in cooking, making it a highly versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance: Florence Fennel produces a swollen, white bulb at the base with tall, feathery green fronds that resemble dill. The plant’s elegant appearance adds ornamental value to the garden while providing a flavorful harvest.
Height: This variety typically grows to about 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall, with the bulb growing to around 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in diameter, making it ideal for garden beds or containers.
Growth Habit: Florence Fennel thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and matures in about 80-90 days. It is a cool-season crop that performs well in both spring and fall. Regular watering and consistent harvesting of the fronds help encourage bulb growth, ensuring a flavorful harvest.
Benefits of Growing Florence Fennel
Unique Flavor: The mild, sweet flavor with subtle anise notes makes Florence Fennel a unique and versatile addition to a wide range of dishes.
High Culinary Value: Both the bulb and fronds are edible, providing multiple culinary uses from a single plant, making it a valuable addition to any garden and kitchen.
Nutrient-Rich: Florence Fennel is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and overall wellness.
Attractive and Aromatic: The tall, feathery fronds and swollen bulb of Florence Fennel make it both an attractive ornamental plant and a productive vegetable crop in the garden.
Seeds Per Packet
100mg | Approximately 120 |
250mg | Approximately 300 |
750mg | Approximately 900 |
1g | Approximately 1,200 |
Elevate your gardening and culinary experiences with Florence Fennel. Its unique flavor, versatility, and striking appearance make it a must-have for any herb or vegetable garden. Enjoy the fresh, aromatic taste of homegrown fennel in your favorite dishes, straight from your garden to your table!
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