Fennel Florence

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.