Growing Florence Fennel, also Finocchio

foeniculum vulgare dulce : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
      T                
        P              

(Best months for growing Florence Fennel in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: Thin to 6 inches
  • Harvest in 14-20 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Lettuce, Chicory, Cucumber, peas, sage
  • Avoid growing close to: Beans, tomatoes
  • Ready to use
  • A fennel seedling
  • Fennel flower heads, some have gone to seed

This is a perennial grown as an annual as the stems become more fibrous with age. Both seeds and leaves have a mild aniseed flavour. With its feathery leaves it makes a good background plant in a border. Grows to approx 1.5 m (5 ft) Can be repeat sown throughout the year or left to self seed.

Fennel prefers well-drained fertile soil.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Florence Fennel

The swollen base of the stem is used.

Slice and steam/stir-fry the bulb, or use raw/grated in salads. Can be cooked and served with sauces or butter.

Your comments and tips

12 Jul 20, EG (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I started a shoot from a store-bought fennel. It's about 3" high. When can I plant this? From your chart it seems like only March? Thanks!
25 Jun 17, Jay (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Can I plant fennels at 8500 feet high Colorado
08 Apr 16, jaye (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I live in Kingston Jamaica in the area where temperature at this time is 85 degrees. Can fennel seeds grow in this area under a shade cloth
26 Aug 12, Morris Lemire (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Hello, I live in Edmonton. At our community garden, we are trying to grow Florence Fennel. The plant is healthy, with fronds a metre high, but it is not forming a bulb. The root is ten centimetres long. If we cover it to get over the early threat of frost, which is often a risk in early September, we may get warm and sunny days trough to October. Is there anything we can do encourage the plant to form a bulb? Thank you for taking our question. Morris

Fennel might need a period of cold to break its dormancy. try putting it in the refigerator for a while before germinationg it.

- Mel Sperryn

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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