How to Plant and Grow Florence Fennel -Harvest to Table

All parts of Florence fennel can be eaten. The bulb can be prepared like celery; it can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves and tenderest branches can be used in soups and salads. The seeds can be used as a flavoring in baked goods.

Florence fennel requires a long, cool growing season, about 100 days. Fennel can tolerate cold but is killed by frosts. Conversely, temperatures too high cause the plant to bolt.

Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost in spring. Set seedlings in the garden shortly after the last frost. Seedlings should be about 3 to 4 inches tall or more at transplant time. Sow seeds directly in the garden when the soil warms to 68° (16°C).

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Florence fennel will grow in most soils, but for quick growth and thick, tender stalks, grow in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Monthly side-dressings of well-rotted manure or waterings with manure tea will help plants produce tender, thick-fleshed bulbs, and stems.

Bulbous stems will be fully grown at 90 to 120 days; do not delay harvest past this time. Leaves and tender branches can be used as soon as the plant is about 18 inches (45cm) tall.

Grow Florence fennel — Florence fennel is grown for its bulbous stem

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.

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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.

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Florence fennel planting details

Sowing depth: ¼ inch (6mm)
Space between plants after thinning: 10-12 inches (10-15cm)
Days to sprout: 7-14
Days to harvest: 90-115
Storage period: 7 days
Suggested varieties: Hearld, Zefa Fino, Rudy, Trieste

Florence fennel growing quick 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.

Florence fennel is a cool-weather perennial grown as an annual.

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 with 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.

Florence Fennel seed sowing dates

(These dates are for the Northern Hemisphere)

Average date of the last frost	Planting dates
Jan. 30	Jan. 1-Mar. 1
Feb. 8	Jan. 1-Mar. 1
Feb. 18	Jan. 15-Mar. 1
Feb. 28	Feb. 1-Mar. 1
Mar. 10	Feb. 15-Mar. 15
Mar. 20	Mar. 1-Apr. 1
Mar. 30	Mar. 10-Apr. 10
Apr. 10	Mar. 15-Apr. 15
Apr. 20	Mar. 25-Apr. 15
Apr. 30	Apr. 1-May 1
May 10	Apr. 15-May 15
May 20	May 1-30
May 30	May 1-30
June 10	May 15-June 1

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.