Description
Fennel Florence is prized for its crisp, anise-scented bulb, a versatile addition to the kitchen that’s as rewarding to grow as it is to eat. For gardeners seeking a dual-purpose crop with character, these seeds offer a gateway to a plant that’s both ornamental and edible.
The plant itself a study in elegance. Its feathery, blue-green fronds form a lacy canopy above the swollen, ivory-hued bulb that emerges at the base. While the bulb is the star, crunchy when raw, mellow and sweet when roasted, the fronds and pollen-rich yellow flowers are bonus features. Toss the fronds into salads for a herbal lift, or harvest the flowers to dry as a gourmet spice. Even the seeds, if left to mature, can be collected for culinary use or future sowing.
In the kitchen, Fennel Florence’s adaptability shines. Thinly sliced, it adds a refreshing bite to slaws and citrus salads. Slow-roasted, it caramelises into a tender, aromatic side dish that pairs beautifully with fish, poultry, or roasted vegetables. Its subtle liquorice flavour appeals to even those wary of bold anise notes. Stored whole in the fridge, the bulbs keep for weeks, making them a handy staple.
Find your Climate Zone
Method: Sow direct
| Soil Temp: 10°C - 25°C
|
Cool Mountain: Nov - Feb
| Position: Full sun
|
Arid: Mar - Jul
| Row Spacing: 15cm apart
|
Temperate: Feb - May
| Planting Depth: 3mm
|
Sub Tropical: Mar - May
| Harvest: 90 days
|
Tropical: Apr - Jul
| Plant Height: 1.5m
|
Soil Preparation & Location
Sunlight:
- Full sun (4-6 hours daily).
Soil type:
- Well drained, fertile loam enriched with compost or aged manure
- pH 6.0–7.0. Acidic soils benefit from lime/dolomite.
Planting Steps
Direct Sowing:
- Sow seeds 3 mm deep, 15 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart.
- Always keep soil moist.
- Thin seedlings to 15 cm spacing once established.
Starting in Trays:
- Sow seeds 3 mm deep – 3 seeds per cell.
- Always keep soil moist
- Thin to 1 plant per cell after seedling has first true leaves
- Transplant outdoors when seedlings reach 5–8cm tall.
Care & Maintenance
Fertilising:
- Apply balanced liquid fertiliser weekly.
- Avoid high nitrogen formulas to prevent leafy growth over bulbs.
Mulching:
- Use organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Bolting prevention:
- Shield plants from heat with shade cloth.
- Harvest early if temperatures spike.
Hilling:
- Mound soil around bulb bases to blanch them (improves tenderness) .
Harvesting
Bulbs:
- Ready in 90 days.
- Cut at soil level, leaving 3–5cm of stalks.
Leaves:
- Harvest feathery fronds as needed for salads or garnishes.
Seeds:
- Collect when flower heads turn brown.
- Dry in paper bags.
Companion Planting Guide
Florence fennel has allelopathic properties that can inhibit nearby plants, but strategic pairings enhance garden health:
Compatible Companions:
- Peas, lettuce, cucumber, sage: Tolerate fennel’s root chemicals and share similar growing conditions.
- Flowering plants (marigolds, nasturtiums): Attract pollinators and deter pests.
- Dill (with caution): May crosspollinate but attracts beneficial insects.
Plants to Avoid:
- Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes): Stunted growth.
- Beans and peas (contested): Some gardeners report success, but traditional advice warns against allelopathy.
- Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli): Potential growth inhibition.
Tip: Plant fennel in containers or isolated beds to minimize allelopathic effects.
Common Problems & Solutions
- Aphids/Whiteflies: Spray with soapy water or neem oil.
- Slugs/Snails: Use beer traps or copper tape.
- Bulb rot: Avoid overwatering; ensure soil drainage.
- Bolting: Harvest early or provide shade during heatwaves.
Crop Rotation & Sustainability
- Rotate fennel with nonumbellifers (e.g., spinach, lettuce) every 3–4 years to prevent soil fatigue.
- Attracts pollinators (bees, hoverflies) and repels pests like aphids.
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