Florence fennel
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Grown for it’s leaves, seeds and bulbous base stems, Florence fennel is easy to grow and attractive in the garden.
When to plant/sow in zone:
Requirements:
Regular feeding and watering, mild conditions
Soil:
Well-drained soil. Mound the soil up around each bulb to help keep the soil moist and temperature even.
How to start: SEED: Best sown direct in the ground. 8mm deep, 45cm apart, in rows 60cm apart. Keep moist. Germinates in 7-14 days. Water in and mulch with straw.
How to grow: Water regularly and mulch with straw. Apply seaweed solution or liquid fertiliser fortnightly. If soil is poor, apply organic fertiliser pellets monthly. Cover with shadecloth on very hot days.
When to harvest: Harvest in 12-14 weeks. Pick fennel bulbs as soon as they are large enough.
Troubleshooting:
Slugs and snails; aphids; cutworms
Wondering what to plant when?
Use our planner to create a planting calendar for your climate zone
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Plant Florence fennel
Do you enjoy the crunchy texture and aniseed flavour of Florence fennel? It’s a great herb to have on hand so you can easily add it to salads and soups, or serve it with fish.