Fennel has licorice-tasting bulbous stems that are eaten raw in salads or as a cooked vegetable.
They are a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Pile soil halfway around the bulb when it is 5 cm (2") across. Cut off the flower head before it blooms to encourage a larger bulb. Use fresh or freeze for winter use.
Preparation Ideas: Use to flavour fish, meat and vegetable dishes.
Instructions
Growing Instructions:
Fennel does not transplant well and seeds should be sown directly into the garden when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is passed. Soil temperature (not air temperature) should be warmer than 10°C (50°F) for seeds to germinate. Planting at a lower temperature will delay germination. Choose a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Space seeds and plant to the depth indicated below. Press seeds into the soil to ensure good contact and cover with 6 mm (1/4") of soil. After planting, water the seeds with a gentle mist or shower. A hard spray can wash soil away, dislodge seeds and clump them together. It is critical to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy during germination. Do not let the soil dry out, as young plants have underdeveloped roots and can quickly dehydrate, particularly in windy conditions.
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Planting Depth: 6 mm (1/4")
Seed Spacing: Sow fennel seeds roughly 5 cm (2") apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 60 cm (24") apart.
Plant Spacing: 30 cm (12")
Instructions for Nutrient Care:
Feed plants SUPERthrive once per week. Mix 1.2 ml (1/4 tsp) per 4L (1 gallon) of water in a watering can and apply solution to the base of the plants.
Suggestions
Growing Suggestions:
Soil should be well drained and moist to prevent bolting and splitting of stalks. If plants get water logged it will cause stress to the plant and may lead to root rot. Water only when the soil is dry.
Fennel grows best in cooler temperatures, becomes woody and may bolt when temperatures become hot.
You may want to mound soil around the swollen bases to keep the bases from turning green and developing a stronger flavor.