growing fennel bulbs

Start bulb fennel seeds indoors in early spring, about 8 weeks before your last frost, and set them out under cloches when they have one true leaf. When growing fennel, prepare a fertile, well-drained bed in a spot that is convenient to water, because bulb fennel must have moist soil.

Does fennel come back every year?

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, is a short-lived perennial with some types hardy in zones 4-9 but is often grown as an annual in cooler climates. Native to southern Europe along the Mediterranean Sea, this plant in the carrot family (Apiaceae) has sweetly aromatic foliage and flavor similar to anise.

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.

Why did my fennel not form 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.

Is fennel hard to grow?

Planting Fennel

Plants may be divided, but this isn't as easy as it is with other garden plants and often proves unsatisfactory. This is because fennel has a long tap root that doesn't like to be divided or moved. Planting fennel by seed is the much easier option.

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. ... The herb type grows 3-5 feet tall with fine textured foliage resembling dill.

How do you 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.

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.

Does fennel need full sun?

Fennel is a sun-loving plant, so plant it where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sun. Plant fennel after the last spring frost. This plant can tolerate light frosts, but needs protection when young.

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.

What is the difference between fennel and sweet fennel?

There are two main varieties of Fennel. One, developed mainly for production of Fennel seeds, is called Sweet Fennel (“Foeniculum vulgare var dulce”); the other, developed for eating in its own right, is called Florence Fennel (“Foeniculum vulgare var. ... Choose Fennel that is firm with fresh tops.

What can Fennel be planted with?

Fennel. Fennel is a poor companion plant for most herbs and vegetables. While it can grow near dill, the two plants tend to cross-pollinate. As a result, it's usually best to grow fennel separately; keeping it in a container avoids any possible negative outcomes.

Are anise and fennel the same thing?

While anise and fennel both have a licorice-like flavor, they come from different plants. You'll often find anise in seed form, either whole or ground, while you can buy fennel as a seed, leaves, or as the aforementioned finocchio, whose fronds, greens and bulb are all edible.

What can you not plant near fennel?

Plant it with ornamentals and you'll be fine. Keep it away from from the veggie garden - especially cilantro/coriander, dill, tomatoes, kohlrabi, and beans. Well in mi opinion fennel, any, is not good companion plant to anything.

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.

Do butterflies like fennel?

Planting a separate crop of fennel (or any related member) can help preserve the butterflies in your garden. I especially like Florence fennel, or finocchio, a bulbing variety that gives you a vegetable, an herb, and two spices over its lifespan.

Is any part of fennel poisonous?

All parts of the fennel plant—bulb, stalk, and the feathery fronds—are edible, and will add texture and flavor to salads, slaws, pastas, and more. Thinly sliced raw fennel bulb adds a sweet licorice flavor and crunchy texture to salads.

Can you eat raw fennel?

Every part of it is edible, from the bulb to the flowers, and it can be eaten raw or cooked. Though the stalks and leaves are edible, fennel recipes most often call for the bulb. When raw, it has a crisp texture similar to celery and a fresh licorice flavor.

Is wild fennel poisonous?

If you've found something that you think is wild fennel and it smells like licorice, you're set. It's not poisonous.

Is Fennel bad for kidneys?

Consume high-potassium foods, such as fennel, in moderation when taking beta-blockers. High levels of potassium in the body can pose a serious risk to people with kidney damage or kidneys that are not fully functional. Damaged kidneys may be unable to filter excess potassium from the blood, and this could be fatal.

Do you cut back fennel?

Prune back fennel plants in mid autumn, before cold weather turns the plants to mush.

Why is my fennel turning yellow?

Downy and powdery mildew can cause your fennel plants to turn yellow or wilt. You can help prevent these types of mildew by leaving plenty of space between fennel plants, planting in a sunny location, and avoiding excess watering and fertilization.