Fennel

About This Plant...

Family: Umbelliferae

Genus and species: Foeniculum vulgare

Plant type: perennial

Description: Polished stems become slightly hollow with age. Blue-green feathery leaves wilt on cutting. Yellow flowers in July and August.

Height and width: 48-80 inches high; 36 inches wide

Location and soil: sun; moist, well-drained soil

Uses: young leaves and stems in salads and vegetables; egg recipes; bulbs can be cooked as a vegetable; dried seeds flavor desserts, pickles, baked goods, candy

Propagation methods: seeds

Outdoor Sowing...

When to sow outdoors: April - May

Other Sowing Guidelines...

Days to maturity: 90 days

Transplanting Guidelines...

Spacing between plants: 10-12 inches

Spacing between rows: 36 inches

Growing On...

Pests:

Diseases:

Harvest: pick fresh leaves and stems as needed; store by chopping foliage and placing in ice cube trays, filling trays with water, and freezing; for seeds, cut flower heads, let dry, then shake seeds out and store in an airtight jar

Growing tips: plants may need support, especially when in flower

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