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fennel - Foeniculum vulgare

fennel or Foeniculum vulgare

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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.

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.
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

  • InformationThis herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

Product options

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RH30001976
9cm pot
£7.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
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RH30005687
2 + 1 FREE 9cm pots
£15.98 £5.33 each
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
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SD30001437
approx 200 seeds
was £2.99 now £2.39
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard Delivery£5.99
Named Day Delivery£10.99

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