Fennel Growing Guide

All you need to know to grow successfully!

Plant Family:
Apiaceae
Plant Type:
Perennial

Square Foot Spacing:

4
Typical Season:
Warm season
Typical Zones Grown In:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Growing Difficulty:
Easy

Fennel is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the carrot family. It has feathery leaves and a bulb-like stem that is often used in cooking as a vegetable. Fennel is known for its distinctive anise or licorice-like flavor and aroma. It is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and as a garnish. Fennel is also commonly used in traditional medicine to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. The plant is easy to grow and prefers a sunny location with well-draining soil.

Brief Growing Guide

  1. Choose a suitable location: Fennel prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and has fertile, loamy soil.
  2. Prepare the soil: Fennel grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter, so amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Make sure the soil is free of rocks and debris, as fennel has a deep taproot.
  3. Plant the seeds: Fennel can be started from seeds or transplants. If planting seeds, sow them directly in the ground about 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to one plant every 6 inches once they reach a height of 2-3 inches.
  4. Water and fertilize: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Fennel does not require a lot of fertilizer, but a side-dressing of compost or a balanced organic fertilizer can be applied midway through the growing season.
  5. Weed regularly: Fennel is prone to weed competition, so keep the bed weed-free to avoid stunting its growth.
  6. Harvest: Fennel bulbs are ready to harvest when they are about the size of a tennis ball and have a white, firm base. Cut the bulb off at the base of the plant, leaving the foliage intact for future growth. Fennel fronds can also be harvested and used as a garnish or seasoning.

Planting Guidelines

The following are general guides to follow. However, nothing is set in stone. Feel free to experiment!

How to Start:
Direct Sow, Start Indoor
When to Direct Sow:
April, May, July, June
When to Start Indoors:
March,April,May,June
Sprouting Time:
7-10

Ideal Temperature (C):

15-21
Depth:
1cm (½”)
Spacing (cm):
15
Row Spacing (cm):
15
Sun Exposure:
Part Shade, Full Sun
Maturity Time:
60-80
When To Harvest:
June, July, August
How to Harvest:
Gather the fronds to use in salads and dressings. Use the seeds in baking. These plants will self-sow readily and become a weed if the seed heads are not removed in the fall.

Health Benefits

Growing your own food is one of the best things you can do for your health. Let’s check out some of the health benefits!

Is It Edible?
Yes
Edible Parts:
Leaves, stalk, bulb, seeds
Potential Health Benefits:
Nutrient-Dense, Antioxidant, Weight Loss, Heart Health, Cancer-Fighting , antibacterial , Anti-Inflammatory, mental health, Menopausal Symptoms

Tips to Growing Organically

Growing without the use of pesticides and herbicides is easier than you may think and it’s better for the environment!

Companion Plants:
What Plants to Avoid:
Common Pests:
Common Disease:
Bonus Grow Tips:
These plants will self-sow readily and become a weed if the seed heads are not removed in the fall. It's a good idea to grow fennel away from all plants, potentially in containers or grow bags. Fennel will inhibit growth in most plants

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