Fennel

A hardy, perennial European herb (Foeniculum vulgare) grown as an annual for its aromatic seeds and fragrant young leaves, both of which are used for flavoring. As the seed is slow to sprout, sow it early in spring. The plants require full sunlight but only the simplest culture in any good garden soil.

In Florence or Sweet Fennel (var. dulce) the greatly enlarged leaf bases form a bulb-like structure 3 to 4 inches in diameter which is called the "apple". When blanched by earthing up it is cooked as a vegetable, but the stalks, resembling anise-flavored celery, can also be eaten raw. As the plants grow rapidly, make successional sowings two weeks apart.

It propagates well by seed, but can also be propagated by root and crown division. The seed can also be planted late in fall. When well established, thin plants to stand 8 to 12 inches apart in the row. Plants can also be started indoors and transplanted to the field when 3 or 4 inches tall.

Growing Fennel

Growing Cultures
Outdoors, containers (sow directly in pots, do not transplant), hydroponics.

Plant Height
Fennel grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches (45 - 60cm).

Plant Spacing
Fennel plants should be spaced 9 to 12 inches (22 - 30cm) apart.

Preferred pH Range
Fennel will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1 (mildly acidic) and 8.0 (mildly alkaline) with a preferred range between 7.0 and 8.0.

Propagation
From seed. Direct sow outdoors in fall or in spring after last frost, does not transplant well.

Seed Germination Period
8 to 12 days.

Seeds Per Gram (Approximate)
Between 200 and 300.

Soil Requirements
Well-drained, deep, moderately fertile soil.

Alternative Growing Media
Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.

Time From Seed to Saleable Plant
Ten weeks.

Sun & Lighting Requirements
Fennel grown outdoors prefers full sun.

Fennel will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output fluorescent , compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage. Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit.

USDA Hardiness
8a to 10b. Fennel florance grown as annual.

Water Requirements
Water on a regular schedule, do not overwater.

Potential Pests & Diseases
Aphids. Damping off.

Special Notes
Fennel is known to attract bees, butterflies or birds. Suitable for containers.