Florence Fennel Seeds

Florence fennel is a variety with broad overlapping leaves that form a bulbous, edible base below celery-like stalks. The bulb, stalks, and leaves have a mild licorice flavour and are a favorite in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

- Latin Name: Foeniculum vulgare
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 60-90 young shoots / 90-125 bulb
- Planting Depth: 5 mm
- Plant Spacing: 45-60 cm
- Growth Habit: 60-90 cm tall 

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Fennel is a unique herb that can be enjoyed in a number of ways. Its bulbous stalk, shoots and leaves are all edible and have a pleasant licorice flavour. The seeds produced are used for tea, baking and as a spice for meat and other dishes. All parts of the plant are believed to be excellent for digestive health.

Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date or sow seeds directly into a sunny location of the garden after the danger of frost has passed. To prevent bulbs from rotting, plant in rich, well-drained soil.

Plant seeds 5 mm deep about 15 cm apart. Soil temperatures around 20 degrees will facilitate a successful germination rate. Warm conditions that mimic the native Mediterranean environment will ensure a healthy start for the seedlings. Stalks can be gradually harvested once plants are established.

When bulbs reach the size of a baseball, typically in late summer/early fall, cut them at the soil line. Unless you’re aiming to harvest the seeds, don’t let the bulb grow too long or it will turn bitter. If allowed, fennel will freely reseed and can become invasive. Collect all seeds at the end of the growing season to prevent this. Save them and plant them selectively next year, or use them as a spice in any number of dishes.

QUICK FACTS

- Fennel is a member of the carrot family originally native to the Mediterranean region.

- Fennel seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.