HOW TO GROW FLORENCE FENNEL FROM SEEDS

Florence fennel is easy to grow from seeds. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-drained. Prepare the bed beforehand by working in aged compost. Fennel is a perennial plant that grows as an annual in cool climates. You can sow it in the garden as early as 2 to 3 weeks before spring's average last frost date. Germination occurs at a temperature of 17°C or higher. Fennel tolerates heat and cold but does best in cool weather when maturing. Fennel seed should be sown at a depth of 14 inches at a distance of four to six inches. Successful seedlings should be thinned to 12 inches apart. Leave 24 to 36-inch spacing between rows. A companion plant that grows well with mints can be a member of the mint family.

CARE FOR FLORENCE FENNEL AFTER GERMINATION

Florence Fennel should be kept dry; the soil should be evenly moist but not soggy. The soil should be mulched to retain moisture in hot climates. Planting beds should be prepared with aged compost. Fennel should be side-dressed with aged compost midseason. The flower stems should be barren when the bulbous base reaches the size of an egg—mulch up around the bulb. When harvested, the bulb will have a sweeter taste. Remove seed stalks to increase the number of stems and bulbs. Leave the fennel unattended, and it will self-seed. Parsley caterpillars may attack the fennel plant. Remove them manually. There are no severe other pest problems with the fennel.

USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF FLORENCE FENNEL

You can grill, braise, boil, or sautée Florence fennel. It can also be blanched or braised with other vegetables—puree-cooked fennel and season with butter, salt, and pepper as a side dish. Cut fennel into long, uncooked strips and serve them in salads. A fresh fennel bulb is a good source of vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin essential for immune system health, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis. Also, vitamin C operates as an antioxidant in your body, preventing cellular damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.

Note: Information provided for guidance only, as cultural practices and climatic circumstances vary.

Specifications:

• Product type: Florence Fennel Seeds
• USDA Zone: 9b
• Soil: Fertile, Loamy Soil
• Harvest Time: 14 Weeks
• Feature: Fast Growing
• Temperature: 17 Degree C
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Tracheophytes, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Asterids
• Order: Apiales
• Family: Apiaceae
• Genus: Foeniculum
• Species: F. Vulgare
• Uses: Beneficial Vegetables