How to Grow Sweet Fennel

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By pioneer70
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Fennel leaves

Fennel, also known as Finocchio or sweet fennel, is a bulb that sprouts feathery leaves. The bulb is actually layers of stems, as if celery stems were larger and overlapped more of the plant. Fennell is good for ornamental gardens and has a licorice-like flavor. It can be eaten like celery or boiled. Fennel is also related to parsley. Nutritionally, it contains a good supply of potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamin c.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Fennel seeds

Step 1

Decide which variety to grow. There aren’t many, but Florence or Orion are dependable varieties that are commonly sold through seed catalogs.
Step 2

Prepare a plot in the garden for the fennel. This plant likes rich, slightly sandy soil, so if possible, ass compost to it the year before.
Step 3

Sow fennel seeds indoors in seed trays, about ¼” deep, and then transplant them outside in early to mid-spring. Fennel seeds need warm temperatures to germinate, above 59 degrees. If cold snaps happen, protect the seedlings with row covers. Once the seedlings have 4 true leaves plant them about 12” apart. Fennel can grow about 48 inches high.
Step 4

Harvest the fennel as needed. The bulbs should be about the size of a tennis ball.

Tips & Warnings

The seeds can be harvested and eaten. Take them when the flower has completely died.
The leaves also can be eaten at any point. Just cut a few off of each plant as needed.
Sweet fennel can bolt. Don’t let the plants get too cold or too dry. Also, look for varieties resistant to bolting.

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