fennel 'Sweet Florence'
fennel or Foeniculum vulgare 'Sweet Florence'
A very handsome plant in the garden with its graceful, feathery foliage and, later on, an extraordinary white bulb-like stem. Both foliage and stem are sweetly fragrant, with a delicate aniseed flavour: pick the leaves earlier in the season for flavouring fish dishes, and try the stem very finely sliced into a salad with orange and watercress.
How to care for fennel Sweet Florence:
When planting out young plants, space them about 30-45cm (12-18in) apart to give plenty of room for growth. Water well in dry spells and mulch to conserve moisture, as fennel prefers consistent conditions. Protect young plants from wind, as tall stems can become unstable without support.
Remove flowerheads if growing fennel for foliage to prevent self-seeding and prolong leaf production. If left to flower, the umbels attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while the aromatic seeds can be harvested once they ripen and dry on the plant. After flowering, cut back stems to about 30cm (12in) to encourage regrowth and maintain a neat shape.
Remove flowerheads if growing fennel for foliage to prevent self-seeding and prolong leaf production. If left to flower, the umbels attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while the aromatic seeds can be harvested once they ripen and dry on the plant. After flowering, cut back stems to about 30cm (12in) to encourage regrowth and maintain a neat shape.
Sowing instructions:
Wait until late spring or even early summer to avoid fluctuations in temperature which will make your fennel run to seed early. Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, well-drained soil. Sow direct where it is to grow, into shallow drills about 1cm (0.5in) deep.
Thin seedlings to 20cm (8in) apart, keep well watered, and protect against slugs. Earthing up stems as they swell blanches them and adds extra sweetness to the flavour.
Keep the area moist until seedlings emerge, then thin them to allow space for plants to develop strong stems and foliage.
Thin seedlings to 20cm (8in) apart, keep well watered, and protect against slugs. Earthing up stems as they swell blanches them and adds extra sweetness to the flavour.
Keep the area moist until seedlings emerge, then thin them to allow space for plants to develop strong stems and foliage.
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 375 seeds
was £2.49
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