How to Grow Fennel

Plant fennel in spring after the last frost. It's a great option for growing in raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Space fennel plants 4 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Grow them in an area that gets at least 6 hours of sun and has fertile, well-drained soil.

Is fennel easy to grow?
Where does fennel grow best?
Can you grow fennel in pots?
Why is fennel a bad companion plant?
Are there two types of fennel?
What can be planted with fennel?
How often should Fennel be watered?
Why doesn't my fennel have a bulb?
How do I know when fennel is ready to harvest?
How deep do you plant fennel?
How long does it take to grow a fennel bulb?
What part of fennel do you eat?

Is fennel easy to grow?

Fennel is easy to grow. They prefer full sun and a well drained soil. ... Also called Florence Fennel or Finuccio, it is easy to grow and very hardy, lasting well after the first frost. With bright green, fern-like leaves and aromatic yellow flowers, this plant will grow three to four feet tall.

Where does fennel grow best?

Fennel benefits from a rich, well-drained soil, with a pH of 5.5-6.8. Plant in a sunny spot for best results. Bear in mind that fennel is a Mediterranean crop, a cool-weather short-lived perennial normally grown as an annual.

Can you grow fennel in pots?

Fennel hates having its roots being disturbed or being transplanted, so sow in-situ, either into pots or the ground where it is to grow. Fennel is a drought tolerant herb once it is established.

Why is fennel a bad companion plant?

Fennel – Not a companion for any garden food plant, fennel will actually inhibit growth in bush beans, kohlrabi, tomatoes, and others. Plant it, but keep it out of the veggie garden. Fennel attracts hoverflies, ladybird beetles, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies, so it's a kind of beneficial insect magnet.

Are there two types of fennel?

There are two types of fennel. One is treated as an herb (herb fennel – Foeniculum vulgare) and one that is treated like a bulb type vegetable (Florence fennel or Finocchio – Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce). The herb type grows 3-5 feet tall with fine textured foliage resembling dill.

What can be planted with fennel?

Fennel Doesn't Have Friends: A Guide to Companion Planting

Tilly's Nest Guide to Companion Planting ©
Plant	Best Friends	Foes
Beets	Bush Beans, Onion, Lettuces, Cabbage, Broccoli	Pole Beans
Bell Peppers	Tomatoes, Basil, Carrots, Parsley	Fennel
Broccoli	Mint, Rosemary, Sage	Tomatoes, Eggplant, Peppers, Beans, Strawberries

How often should Fennel be watered?

When planting, space fennel seedlings from 4 to 12 inches apart, depending on variety. (Check the plant tag for more information.) Be sure to keep soil consistently moist. Water regularly, giving plants at least an inch of water per week (more in hot weather).

Why doesn't my fennel have a bulb?

So, the most likely reason for no bulb on fennel is that you have planted the wrong type. You can still use the lower stalks, the leaves and seeds, which will have a somewhat mellower but still delightful flavor than the bulb. Another reason for fennel with no bulb is planting too late.

How do I know when fennel is ready to harvest?

Fennel is ready to harvest after approximately 90 days. Fennel leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant is well established. Only take a few leaves at a time to not cause harm to the plant. The bulb is ready for harvest once it reaches the size of a tennis ball.

How deep do you plant fennel?

Sow the seeds into weed-free soil that's been raked to a fine texture, setting seeds about 1cm (0.5in) deep. You can either station sow three or four seeds every 25-30cm (10-12in) each way, thinning to leave the strongest seedling at each position, or sow the seeds in rows before thinning in stages.

How long does it take to grow a fennel bulb?

Harvesting fennel bulbs

Your Florence fennel bulbs will be ready to harvest in about 14 weeks. Cut the bulb above the soil, but leave the root in the ground. This may re-sprout and produce a second harvest of smaller, tender shoots.

What part of fennel do you eat?

Technically speaking, all parts of the plant are edible, but most people will find the stalks too tough and fibrous to eat. The leaves can be chopped and used to flavor salads, dressings, marinades and sauces. They tend to have a slightly more citrusy flavor than the base. The base (or bulb) is delicious raw or cooked.