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Florence Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Anise-scented bulbs that shine roasted or shaved raw.
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular
Soil
Rich, moist, pH 6.5–7.5
Spacing
30 cm apart
Days to harvest
80–100 days
Hardiness
Zones 4–9
Seasonal Calendar
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
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Sow Harvest
The method
- 1
Sow direct
Fennel resents transplanting. Sow in situ once soil is warm.
- 2
Water steadily
Water stress instantly triggers bolting.
- 3
Earth up bulbs
As bulbs swell, draw soil up around them to blanch and sweeten.
- 4
Harvest at tennis-ball size
Cut just above the roots — often a second bulblet regrows from the base.
Common problems
Bolting
Only sow after midsummer for autumn crop; choose bolt-resistant varieties.
Small bulbs
Not enough water or the plant was transplanted. Direct sow only.
Good neighbors
Grow alone — dislikes most neighbors
Field tips
- “The feathery tops are edible — treat like dill.”
- “Roast wedges with olive oil and a squeeze of orange.”