Fennel : Fennel

Feathery aromatic herb with culinary and medicinal uses

Fennel was one of the nine sacred curative herbs of medieval times. A strong butterfly plant, Bronze fennel has 4 to 5' plumes of filigreed coppery leaves and lacy golden flower umbels that ripen mellow anise-flavored seeds. These plants are stunning additions to flower or herb beds. Season seafood, salads or cooked vegetables with sprigs of the feathery leaves. Tea made from the aromatic leaves or sweet seeds soothes upset stomachs and calms the nerves.

Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare

This is an example of the timeline you would see based on your growing conditions.

Fennel: Fennel

Fennel

A highly aromatic and flavorful herb with a flavor similar to licorice. Leaf Fennel is grown for its seeds, flowers and leaves and is used as a flavoring.

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Basics

Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Perennial
Growing Habit: -
Hardiness: Hardy

Fennel is fairly hardy and prefers cooler temperatures.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall
Growing Season: Short, Long
Cultivar Type: -
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot

Fennel needs rich soil and cool growing temperatures. Keep plants well-watered throughout the growing season.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 45°F - 90°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 50°F

Fennel is native to coastal areas and prefers a cool climate.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot)

Fennel likes full sun and can tolerate hotter and drier conditions that most crops.
Water: Moderate

The soil should be kept evenly moist for rapid growth, but be careful because Fennel doesn't like wet soil. A mulch will help to conserve moisture in warm weather.
Feeder: Light

Fennel is a fairly light feeder and doesn't need very rich soil.
Suitability: Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: Yes

Fennel is a good option for container growing. Choose containers that are 10 to 16" wide and with room for at least 30" of soil. Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Line the bottom with gravel and cover with potting soil. Water evenly to moisten the soil and place in an area with full sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soaked, making sure that the soil does not dry out.
Attracts beneficial insects?: Yes
Color: green foliage, coppery bronze flowers
Fruit Size: - "
Plant Height: 48.0 - 60.0"
Plant Diameter: 18.0 - 24.0"
Hardiness Zone: 7-10
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile: Mellow anise-flavored seeds, and licorice flavored foliage.
Rotation Group: Perennial

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Plant Guide

Fennel : Fennel

Feathery aromatic herb with culinary and medicinal uses

Fennel

Basics