How to grow Fennel?

Fennel
  • Latin Family: Apiaceae
  • Latin Genus: Foeniculum
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Growing Type: Perennial

A highly aromatic and flavorful herb with a flavor similar to licorice. Leaf Fennel is grown for its seeds, flowers and leaves and is used as a flavoring.

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Fennel History

Fennel is native to the Mediterranean, but has been widely cultivated around the world and is now naturalized in many areas. Fennel has been most highly refined as a crop in Italy, which is why these varieties so often have Italian names. These are usually grown as annuals, though Fennel is actually a perennial. 

Soil Preference

  • PH (min/max): 6.0 - 8.0
  • PH Ideal (min/max): 7.0 - 8.0

Fennel will grow in most soils, but prefers a rich, well-drained, alkaline soil with moderate nitrogen. It doesn't need very much phosphorus or potassium.

How to care for Fennel?

Fennel is a fairly easy plant to grow. It doesn't need a lot of water and has no serious pests or diseases.

Water

The soil should be kept evenly moist for rapid growth, but be careful because Fennel doesn't like wet soil. A mulch will help to conserve moisture in warm weather.

Fertilizer

Fennel is a fairly light feeder and doesn't need very rich soil.

Seeds

Seed Viability: 2 - 4 years

Fennel flowers have both male and female parts and are self-fertile. They are pollinated by insects (the flowers are renowned for attracting wildlife) and different varieties will cross (it will also cross with wild plants).

Light

Sun: min. 6 hours daily

Fennel likes full sun and can tolerate hotter and drier conditions that most crops.

Conditions:Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot

Season:Short Season, Long Season

Storage

Dry fennel seeds for use as flavoring or tea. Put the seed heads in a paper bag until they are fully dry and then store in an airtight container.

Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: 50-70°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days

Green Fennel doesn't dry well and is best used fresh. It can be kept in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week.

Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-7 days

Problems

Celery Worms & Parsley Caterpillars

Pick worms and caterpillars off by hand.

Fennel Types

  • Fennel
  • A highly aromatic and flavorful herb with a flavor similar to licorice. Leaf Fennel is grown for its seeds, flowers and leaves and is used as a flavoring.

Pests

  • Deer
  • Slugs and snails
  • Aphids
  • Carrot Rust Fly
  • Caterpillars
  • Cutworms
  • Gophers

Diseases

  • Leaf Blight
  • Damping Off
  • Root Rot

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