
Florence fennel is a cool-weather perennial grown as an annual. Florence fennel or finocchio is grown primarily for its bulbous base and leaf stalks which are used as vegetables. Fennel is a stocky plant that can grow to 24 inches (61cm) tall and looks something like celery with fleshy stalks and feathery leaves.
A taller cultivar of fennel known as common or sweet fennel is grown for its leaves and seeds which are used as herbal seasonings. Fennel produces a flat-topped cluster of small, golden flowers. Both Florence fennel and common fennel are members of the parsley family.
Florence Fennel Quick Growing Tips
- Fennel can be sown in the garden as early as 2 to 3 weeks before the average last frost date in spring.
- Florence fennel, which is grown for its bulbous stalk, requires 90 to 115 frost-free days to reach harvest.
- For autumn crops sow fennel in mid-to-late summer.
- Florence fennel yield: plant 5 Florence fennel plants for each household member.

Where to Plant Florence Fennel
- Grow Florence fennel in full sun.
- Plant Florence fennel in well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Prepare the bed in advance by working in aged compost.
- Fennel prefers a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
Florence Fennel Planting Time
- Florence fennel is a cool-weather perennial grown as an annual.
- Florence fennel can be sown in the garden as early as 2 to 3 weeks before the average last frost date in spring.
- Seeds germinate best at 60°F (17°C).
- Florence fennel will tolerate heat and cold but does best when it comes to maturity in cool weather.
- Florence fennel requires 90 to 115 frost-free days to reach harvest.
- For an autumn crop sow fennel in mid-to-late summer.
Planting and Spacing Florence Fennel
- Sow fennel seed a ¼ inch deep 4 to 6 inches (10-15cm) apart.
- Thin successful seedlings to 12 inches (30cm) apart.
- Space rows 24 to 36 inches (61-91cm) apart.
Florence Fennel Companion Plants
- Grow Florence fennel with mints and members of the mint family.
Container Growing Florence Fennel
- Florence fennel will grow in a 6-inch (15cm) pot; in larger containers grow Florence fennel on 8-inch (20cm) centers.
- Spring plantings will not produce a large bulb.
- Plant in fall so that the plant comes to maturity in cool weather.

Water and Feeding Florence Fennel
- Keep Florence fennel on the dry side; the soil should be evenly moist but not wet.
- Mulch to retain soil moisture in hot regions.
- Prepare planting beds with aged compost.
- Side dress fennel with aged compost at midseason.
Florence Fennel Care
- Blanch the lower stems of Florence fennel when the bulbous base grows to the size of an egg; do this by mulching up around the bulb–the bulb will be more tender and sweet at harvest.
- Remove seed stalks to increase the production of stems and bulbs.
- Fennel will self-seed if left unattended.
Florence Fennel Pests and Diseases
- Fennel may be attacked by the parsley caterpillar. Remove it by hand. Generally, Florence fennel has no other serious pest problems.
- Fennel has no serious disease problems.
Harvesting Florence Fennel
- Florence fennel’s bulbous stalk can be harvested when it is 3 inches (7cm) or more in diameter.
- Cut the whole stalk like celery just below the point where individual stalks join together.
- Cut leaves as needed once they have reached 18 inches (45cm) tall.
- Florence fennel will be ready for harvest 90 to 115 days after sowing.
- Common fennel sprigs can be cut for flavoring once the plant is established.
Storing and Preserving Florence Fennel
- Florence fennel is best eaten fresh.
- Florence fennel will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in a cold moist place for 2 to 3 months.
- Stalks can be frozen or dried.
- Fennel leaves can be frozen or dried as herbs; dried leaves should be kept in an airtight container.
Florence Fennel Varieties to Grow
- Varieties. ‘Hearld’ for spring planting. ‘Zefa Fino’, ‘Rudy’, and ‘Trieste’ have large, flavorful bulbs.
About Florence Fennel
- Common name. Fennel, Florence fennel, finocchio, fenucchi
- Botanical name. Foeniculum vulgare dulce
- Origin. Mediterranean
Grow 80 vegetables: THE KITCHEN GARDEN GROWERS’ GUIDE