Fragrant bulbs and feathery fronds!
Fennel is a garden multitasker with sweet, anise-like flavor and elegant, ferny foliage. From its crisp bulbs to its aromatic fronds, this Mediterranean favorite adds flavor, fragrance, and beauty to your garden, and your kitchen.
Variety: Florence Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum)
Growth Habit: Cool-season biennial (grown as annual)
Height: 24–36 inches
Flavor Profile: Sweet, licorice-like
Color: Pale green bulb with feathery green tops
Planting Conditions: Direct sow in full sun; prefers rich, well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: Bulbs in 80–90 days; fronds earlier
Uses: Roasting, salads, herbal teas, and garnishes
Fun Fact: Fennel has been used since ancient times for culinary and medicinal purposes, and it’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.
Fennel brings a sweet, earthy flavor to everything from roasted veggie trays to fresh salads. Slice the bulb thin for a crisp crunch, or roast it until caramelized and tender. The fronds make a lovely garnish or a soothing herbal tea. It’s a beautiful, fragrant addition to any garden, and a flavorful one in the kitchen.
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Sow ¼ inch deep, spacing seeds 12 inches apart.
💧 Water Consistently: Keep soil moist, especially during bulb formation.
🌿 Thin and Maintain: Thin to 12–18 inches apart for full bulb development.
✂️ Harvest: Cut bulbs when they’re 3–4 inches wide. Snip fronds as needed for fresh use.
