Fennel is an attractive plant that looks great in any garden and can be grown as a vegetable or an ornamental plant. Growing fennel can be difficult, especially the onion variety. It's rather fussy about how, when, and where you grow it, but don't let that put you off. Follow our simple growing instructions so you can grow fennel at home. You will not regret it.
There are two main types of fennel. Common or herb fennel is an herbaceous perennial that is grown for its leaves and seeds. Onion fennel is grown primarily as an annual vegetable. Both look similar and have a strong liquorice or aniseed taste and aroma. If the onion variety is too daunting, start with an ordinary fennel, which is less demanding and comes back bigger and stronger every year.
Fennel has been used for its medicinal benefits throughout history, but is best known for aiding digestion and relieving stomach cramps. In folklore it was believed that it gives a person courage, strength and a long life. The Greeks and Romans ate large quantities because they believed it would ward off obesity. In modern times, fennel is mainly used in the kitchen.
Good products for growing fennel:
Brief instructions for care
Growing fennel offers you more than just herbs! Source: Jorge Zapico
| Common Name (s) | Sweet or common fennel; Florence fennel, onion fennel, finocchio |
| Scientific name | Foeniculum vulgare; Foeniculum vulgare var. Azoricum |
| Days to harvest | Herbs 60-70 days; Pear 80-115 days |
| light | Full sun |
| Water: | Regularly, consistently |
| ground | sandy loam |
| fertilizer | Young plants: balanced NPK. Maturing flask: nitrogen-rich supply |
| Pests | Snails, snails, aphids |
| Diseases | mildew |
Everything about fennel
Fennel fronds are popular herbs that are used in cooking. Source: dichohecho
The two types of fennel are Foeniculum vulgare, known as common, herb, or sweet fennel, and Foeniculum vulgare var. Azoricum, known as onion or Florence fennel and finocchio. Both come from the carrot family, Apiaceae, and are related to parsnips, celery, and coriander. Fennel plants come from the sunny coastal regions of southern Europe and the Mediterranean.
First introduced to Italy in the 17th century, onion fennel is the swollen stem of common fennel grown as a biennial onion vegetable, but more commonly grown as an annual vegetable. Both varieties have green, smooth, hollow stems and finely dissected, feathery leaves that reach a length of 30 cm.
In mid to late summer, the common fennel develops large flat flower heads of compound umbels, 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter, with 20 to 50 flowers on each umbel section at the end of the stem. The flowers attract a variety of pollinating insects such as wasps, bees, lacewings, and swallowtail butterflies. Seeds arise when the flowers fade and are green / brown in color that turns gray with age and becomes creased on the sides. Fennel bulbs screw and produce similar flowers and seeds if not harvested.
The main differences between the two types of fennel are: The Florence fennel develops a large flat or round white bulb at its base, 7 to 10 cm in diameter, and grows to an average stocky height of 60 to 90 cm. Herbal fennel grows to a majestic height of 1.8 cm with thicker, sturdier stems and without an onion.
The onion, herb greens and seeds can be used as a side dish, in salads, bread, stews, soups or as an anise-flavored tea. However, the sweetest, most intense, and most sought-after anise-like taste comes from the tiny dried yellow flowers and is known as "fennel pollen".
Onion fennel is harvested before it flowers or seeds, so it is not invasive. Common fennel is a productive self-seeder and can be quite a nuisance. In domestic settings, seedlings can be easily weeded and flowers can be killed. In favorable climates such as California, however, fennel plants are considered an invasive species.
When space is tight, grow fennel in large, deep pots filled with lots of organic matter. In fact, growing containers is highly recommended because fennel is an allelopathic plant, meaning that it can stunt the growth of neighboring plants, particularly beans, tomatoes, and some brassicas.
Varieties to try:
- Rhondo F1: fast to mature – good quality lightbulbs
- Amigo: evenly flattened white lightbulbs that are screw tight
- Perfection: Medium-sized light bulbs with a fine taste that are screw-proof
- Purpureum: Bronze fennel, which is mainly grown as a garden ornament
- Rubrum: Bronze fennel with red tones as garden decoration
plants
The seeds develop from the buds of the fennel flowers. Source: Tinkiak
The key to fennel growth is the consistency of temperature, sunlight, and humidity. In the garden, plant the fennel in moisture-resistant, well-drained soil that has been enhanced with lots of organic matter and is in full sun.
Common fennel develops a long taproot and does not like root disorders. Sow the seeds straight to their final growing positions in mid to late spring after the last frost date.
Onion fennel can be sown from mid-spring to late summer, depending on the climate. If you live somewhere with a Mediterranean climate, you can start sowing seeds under cover in mid-spring. Seedlings should be ready to plant out after 4-5 weeks, when they are 2-3 inches tall and all threats of frost have passed. Space plants 30 cm apart and 45 cm between rows. The harvest should be ready to harvest from midsummer. Seeds can also be sown directly if the soil temperature is at least 10 ° C.
If you live in a cool northern climate, sow fennel seeds right in midsummer, when the weather is warm and temperatures shouldn't fluctuate too suddenly. The onions will be ready for harvest in the fall.
A great tip for growing stunning bulbs is to ground the soil around the base of the plants when the stem swells. This provides stability as it grows and shiny white, sweet onions.
Both types of fennel can be grown under cover in air-conditioned environments where there is a risk of screwing and wilting. Garden greenhouses and polytunnels also tend to overheat in the cooler months and are not suitable for growing fennel.
Fennel care
The fronds, onions, and seeds of the fennel are all edible. Source: Song of Will
The key to growing onion fennel is to sow seeds at the right time and avoid heat waves! Follow the care tips below to grow fennel in your own garden.
Sun and temperature
Both types of fennel require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. You can't stand shade. Therefore, make sure that you are not overshadowed by another crop in your garden. They grow best in USDA zones 6 to 10 with ideal temperatures between 15 and 21 ° C (60 to 70 ° F). Ordinary fennel hibernates outside as a perennial, but may not survive prolonged freezing temperatures. The onion fennel sown in summer can be harvested until the first frost. In milder climates it can overwinter and be treated as a biennial for seed production. Plants benefit from mulching to retain moisture in summer and warmth in winter.
Water and moisture
Fennel must be watered evenly and regularly throughout the growing season. Dry soils cause common fennel to wither and reduce seed production. It will also trigger onion fennel to bloom. Time-controlled drinking hoses in the early morning or drip systems are perfect for even watering. Avoid wetting the foliage in midsummer to avoid sunburn. Overwintered common fennel does not require regular watering, but do not allow the soil to dry out.
ground
Grow fennel in fertile, well-drained, moisturizing sandy loam soils that have been enhanced with plenty of well-rotten organic matter. Don't let the soil dry out. Suitable for pH 6–8.
Fertilize
Apply plenty of well-rotted organic material such as farmyard manure or compost to the planting site at least six weeks before planting. A balanced slow-release fertilizer can be added to the seedbed as an extra boost before planting. If the bulbs swell, apply a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer every two weeks until harvest. Mulch herb fennel in spring for additional nutrition.
clipping
Ordinary fennel stems can be cut back to ground level after the seeds have been harvested. Fennel plants that are grown for ornamental purposes often retain the dried seed heads to create winter structure in the garden. This can lead to self-sown plants appearing in the garden in spring, but these can easily be weeded out. Trim any developing onion fennel spines to keep them from slipping.
Multiplication
Common fennel: For best results, common fennel seeds should be sown directly into pre-watered drills 1½ cm (½ inch) deep and rows 30 cm (12 inches) apart from the last frost date and in soil temperatures of at least 10 ° C (50 ° F) will. When the seedlings are 5 to 8 cm high, thin to 45 cm between the plants.
Mature common fennel plants can be propagated by division with varying degrees of success due to problems in disturbing their taproot. Plants can be dug up in the spring when shoots appear. When removing the plant, make sure that the entire root system remains intact. Viable side shoots can be removed from the main canopy and potted in a sandy compost mixture and grown in pots until new roots are formed. Once the roots have filled the pot, plant in a new growing position.
Onion fennel: Start sowing indoors from mid-spring. Sow in small pots or modular bowls that are filled with compost and 1½ cm deep. Germination usually takes 1-2 weeks. Sow two seeds per pot / module cell and push out the weaker seedling when they are about 2 to 3 inches tall and ready to be planted out. Acclimate young plants to external conditions for about a week before planting them in their final growing positions. Space plants as above for fennel. Florence fennel seeds can be sown directly like ordinary fennel.
Harvesting and storing
Fennel flowers are not distinctive, but they are pretty nonetheless. Source: Tinkiak
The leaves, seeds and fennel bulbs are easy to harvest and store for short and long term use.
harvest
Herbal fennel leaves can be harvested green and fresh during the entire growing season. Seeds are ready to harvest when they are brown and dry.
Cut the flower heads off the main stem, place them upside down in a paper bag, and hang them in a cool, dry room. When the seeds are completely dry, they will fall from the seed head into the bag and are ready for storage.
Florence fennel can be harvested when the bulbs are about 10 cm in diameter. Cut the onion from the root just below the ground level. Leaving the root in the ground can create new greens that can be used in a manner similar to herb fennel. Remove the green stems to prevent the onion from drying out and use the ingredients to flavor soups and broths.
storage
Use a damp paper towel or plastic wrap to store herb greens and onions in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for about 5 days. The onion can be sliced, blanched, and frozen to add to cooked dishes at a later date. Seeds can be stored in an airtight container for up to a year.
Troubleshooting
The large onion of an onion fennel is a culinary delight. Source: Bourgeoisbee
These plants are quite resilient and can withstand most gardening problems. Still, there are a few tips you need to be truly successful!
Growing problems
Common fennel is easy to grow and more or less problem-free. Withering is the main problem you may encounter and can be easily fixed with adequate watering.
Temperature increase and Lack of water will cause the onion fennel to try to flower early. Cut off any flower stalks as they develop and mulch to lock in moisture.
Keep areas around your crop free from weed to reduce competition for nutrients, space and water.
Pests
Snails and Snails Attack young fennel seedlings, gobble them up completely, leaving holes in the stems, leaving a glistening trail of slime as evidence. They mostly feed at night and are more active in damp weather. Reduce slug and snail populations by removing their hiding places and breeding grounds such as damp, wet wood and weed mats during the day. Remove by hand on sight (best results at night) or leave beer or oatmeal traps behind to collect and discard in the morning. As a last resort, use organic snail / auger pellets. Read the label carefully to make sure it will not harm other wildlife.
Aphids (Aphidoidea) are small and sticky white, yellow, green, and black flies. They feed on the juice of new growth and spoil the edible parts. Biological treatment by releasing beneficial insects that feed on aphids, such as ladybug larvae (Cococinella septempunctata). Or spray with a good organic insecticidal soap or neem oil. Squeezing aphids with your fingers or a quick jet of water can help reduce numbers.
Diseases
mildew is a fungal disease that can affect fennel that is grown in hot, humid, and shady conditions. It grows as white, thick dust on the leaves, inhibits photosynthesis and hinders growth. The foliage eventually turns yellow and dies. To prevent powdery mildew, maintain good garden hygiene and remove infected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading and re-infecting in years to come. Get enough sunlight and avoid conditions where the disease will thrive. Make sure there is enough space for good air circulation. Spray an organic fungicide like sulfur, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate before or at first sight.
frequently asked Questions
Q: Does fennel come back every year?
A: Common fennel is an herbaceous perennial and grows back every year. Onion fennel is treated as an annual vegetable and harvested when the onions are the size of a tennis ball.
Q: What can not you plant near fennel?
A: Beans, tomatoes, and some brassicas shouldn't be placed next to a fennel plant.
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