Growing Fennel, also Bronze fennel

foeniculum vulgare : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

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

(Best months for growing 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 12 inches
  • Harvest in 14-15 weeks.
  • Avoid growing close to: Best grown away from vegetables
  • Bronze fennel

A tall plant with feathery looking leaves. The whole plant has an aniseed flavour, including the seeds. Choose a place in the garden where it can self seed without causing too much trouble and there will be seedlings every year.

Needs staking to protect the seed heads. Can grow to 1.5 m (5 ft). Keep watered, otherwise the leaves dry off.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Fennel

Cut off leaves as required Use leaves fresh or dried . Particularly good with fish.
The seeds can be used in pickling mixes.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
21 Feb 21, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Thinking of growing fennel for the first time, to attract swallowtails. I've never grown it because I've heard it inhibits the growth of nearby plants. But I'm unclear HOW it does that. Is it a chemical exuded from the roots? In other words, would growing it in a large pot help? Or is it a compound the whole plant gives off, like a pheromone released into the air? One gardener told me they're only allelopathic if allowed to flower. Has this been anyone's experience?
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12 Apr 22, Rachel (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I believe it to be invasive and can take over other plants and deprive them of light and nutrients
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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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