Florence Fennel

Fennel prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as fennel can be prone to root rot in wet conditions. Fennel requires full sun to thrive and should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Direct seed outdoors in mid-spring to early-summer.  Sow seeds 1/4" deep, 1" apart in rows 18" apart.  After germination has occurred, thin to one plant every 6".  Keep plants well-watered in order to ensure good yield and flavor.

Not recommended

Insect Pests

Diseases & Other Problems

To harvest fennel, wait until the plant is mature and the bulb is around 3 inches in diameter, then cut the bulb at the base and remove the feathery fronds. To store fennel, wrap the bulb and fronds separately in damp paper towels and place in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze fennel by blanching the bulb for 2-3 minutes, slicing it, and storing in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months. The fronds can also be frozen in ice cube trays with water or oil for later use in cooking.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Fennel is an outbreeding plant that will not cross with other plants or herbs, however different varieties of fennel can be crossed by insects. Therefore, it is necessary to grow only one variety per year or cage varieties to prevent cross pollination (pollinators will need to be introduced in this scenario). An isolation distance of at least one-half mile is recommended when no cage is used.

HARVESTING SEED:

To harvest fennel seeds, wait until the flowers have dried out and turned brown on the plant. Cut the seed heads from the plant and place them in a paper bag. Hang the bag in a dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks to allow the seeds to dry completely. Once the seeds are dry, gently crush the seed heads in the bag to release the seeds, being careful not to crush them too much. Remove any remaining bits of debris and store the seeds in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Fennel seeds can remain viable for up to 4 years when stored properly.