fennel - Foeniculum vulgare
fennel or Foeniculum vulgare
Fine clouds of feathery, bright green leaves, which have a sweet aniseed flavour are crowned with flat-topped, sulphur-yellow flower heads in mid- to late summer, followed by aromatic seeds. Fennel is the perfect centre-piece for a sunny herb garden. An invaluable border plant, the foliage provides a delicate foil against which the flowers of herbaceous plants and bulbs can be seen.
How to care for Foeniculum vulgare:
Fennel thrives in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained, fertile soil. It prefers a spot that isn’t too crowded, as it develops deep roots and can self-seed freely if not managed.
Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant and requires only occasional deep watering during dry spells. Regular harvesting of leaves encourages fresh growth.
Mulching around the base in winter can offer protection in colder areas.
If fennel is being grown exclusively for its foliage, remove the yellow flowerheads to prevent it from self-seeding. When flowers have finished them cut back to 30cm (12in) from the ground.
Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant and requires only occasional deep watering during dry spells. Regular harvesting of leaves encourages fresh growth.
Mulching around the base in winter can offer protection in colder areas.
If fennel is being grown exclusively for its foliage, remove the yellow flowerheads to prevent it from self-seeding. When flowers have finished them cut back to 30cm (12in) from the ground.
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.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
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approx 200 seeds
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