fennel - Foeniculum vulgare
fennel or Foeniculum vulgare
- 9cm pot
- £4.79 £7.99
- In stock (shipped within 3-5 working days)
- approx 200 seeds
- £2.99
- In stock (shipped within 3-5 working days)
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: July to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Fine clouds of feathery, bright green leaves, which have a sweet aniseed flavour are crowned with flat-topped, sulphur-yellow flower heads in mid- to late summer, followed by aromatic seeds. Fennel is the perfect centre-piece for a sunny herb garden. An invaluable border plant, the foliage provides a delicate foil against which the flowers of herbaceous plants and bulbs can be seen.
Wait until late spring or even early summer to avoid fluctuations in temperature which will make your fennel run to seed early. Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, well-drained soil. Sow direct where it is to grow, into shallow drills about 1cm (0.5in) deep.
Thin seedlings to 20cm (8in) apart, keep well watered, and protect against slugs. Earthing up stems as they swell blanches them and adds extra sweetness to the flavour.
Keep the area moist until seedlings emerge, then thin them to allow space for plants to develop strong stems and foliage.
Thin seedlings to 20cm (8in) apart, keep well watered, and protect against slugs. Earthing up stems as they swell blanches them and adds extra sweetness to the flavour.
Keep the area moist until seedlings emerge, then thin them to allow space for plants to develop strong stems and foliage.
When planting out young plants, space them about 30-45cm (12-18in) apart to give plenty of room for growth. Water well in dry spells and mulch to conserve moisture, as fennel prefers consistent conditions. Protect young plants from wind, as tall stems can become unstable without support.
Remove flowerheads if growing fennel for foliage to prevent self-seeding and prolong leaf production. If left to flower, the umbels attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while the aromatic seeds can be harvested once they ripen and dry on the plant. After flowering, cut back stems to about 30cm (12in) to encourage regrowth and maintain a neat shape.
Goes well with
Galvanised metal portable planting trough - Crocus green frame
49 × 21 × 17.5cm
£44.99
In stock (shipped within 3-5 working days)
