Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Planting fennel
• Part 2 of 2: Harvesting fennel
• Tips

Growing fennel is a great way to spice up your recipes by adding home grown ingredients. Its pungent scent is considered inviting and its rich earthy flavor is known to add remarkable flavor to many dishes. Fennel is rich in vitamin C and has been used as an herbal remedy for digestive problems for thousands of years. Plus, the delicate green leaves are aesthetically pleasing, making fennel an ideal addition to any garden. Start with Step 1 below and learn how to grow fennel.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Planting fennel

1. Choose a fennel variety. The type of fennel you want to grow depends on the type of fennel you want to use - the bulb, the leaves or the seeds.
   • "Florence Fennel" is grown for the bulbous stem, which can be eaten raw, grilled or baked. It is also possible to eat the thicker stems that emerge from the bulb, as they resemble celery.
   • Herb fennel 'does not produce the same bulbous stem. This variety is grown for the delicate leaves used as a spice. Fennel herb also produces seeds that have a licorice-like flavor (like the rest of the plant) and are used for seasoning.
2. Plant the fennel outside. The planting process for both types of fennel is identical. The seeds should be planted directly in the garden around the period of the last spring frost.
   • Plant the fennel seeds in fertile, well-drained soil. Before planting, loosen the soil a bit if necessary and add some compost and a little soil for better drainage.
   • Plant the seeds about 25 cm apart at a depth of about 0.3 cm and cover them with a thin layer of soil. It's probably a good idea to plant a little more seeds than you need and then thin out later.
   • Plant the fennel far away from dill or cilantro - these plants have a habit of cross-pollinating, which will produce fewer seeds and affect flavor.
   • You can also use a calendar to find out when you can usually expect the last frost where you live.
3. Plant the fennel indoors. If you prefer, you can plant the fennel seeds in containers about 4 weeks before the last spring frost.
   • Once the seedlings are 7.5-10 cm tall, you can leave them to harden in a cool greenhouse or greenhouse before transplanting them to the garden.
   • Alternatively, you can keep the fennel in the container. Because fennel is a deep rooted plant, it will require a container at least 12 inches deep filled with light soil and a little added gravel for drainage.
   • Planting multiple fennel plants in a container of this size will make it too overcrowded to produce a large bulb, but you will still be able to enjoy the leaves and seeds.
4. Take care of the fennel. Fennel grows best in full sun. First, you need to water regularly to keep the soil moist. Once the plant has established, it may be necessary to water only in drought conditions. Be careful not to overwater, which can cause the roots to rot. There is no need to provide nutrition during the growing season.
   • Once the bulb begins to form at the base of the stem, pile up the surrounding soil to cover it. This provides shade from the sun and prevents the bulb from turning green. This way the bulb will remain white and sweet (which is only necessary if you plan to eat the bulb).
   • Fennel is not often affected by pests or diseases, but sometimes you can find aphids or whiteflies on the leaves. If this is the case, use a pyrethrin-based insecticidal soap to solve this problem.

Part 2 of 2: Harvesting fennel

1. Harvest the fennel leaves. You can start harvesting fennel leaves once the plant is well established.
   • Do not remove too many leaves at the same time, as this can damage the plant.
   • The fennel leaves can be used to add an aromatic, aniseed or licorice flavor to soups, salads and other Mediterranean foods.
   • Plant multiple plants if you use fennel regularly. Harvest one plant per week, but don't forget to keep watering and feeding after harvesting.
2. Harvest the bulb. Florence fennel bulbs can be harvested once they are the size of a small tennis ball, usually in late summer or early fall.
   • To harvest, cut the fennel below the bulb at ground level. Process immediately or store in the refrigerator for several days.
   • Fennel bulbs will survive a frost once or twice, so there is no need to harvest them immediately when it gets a little colder. However, you shouldn't let the fennel bulbs get too big, or they will turn bitter.
3. Harvest the fennel seeds. Fennel seeds can be harvested when they are ripe and the flowers have turned brown.
   • The seeds are very loose, so the best way to collect them is to place a large bowl or sheet underneath and shake. Alternatively, you can wrap a cheesecloth around it while cutting the stems and removing the seeds later.
   • Let the seeds dry completely and then store them in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. You can keep them for up to six months.
4. Grow the fennel as a perennial. It self-sows easily, so once the plant has flowered the seeds will likely fall off and new plants will appear the following spring.
   • Every spring, you should fertilize the soil for your fennel with normal food or enrich the soil with some fresh (preferably homemade) compost.
   • However, in northern areas (or in areas where winter temperatures regularly drop below -10 ° C), fennel should be treated as an annual and replanted each year in the spring.

Tips

• Consider keeping a patch of soil specifically for your fennel as it is known to stunt the growth of other plants.
• Fennel plants can be grown from cuttings. Once a plant is mature, the roots can be cut into pieces and replanted.
• Be careful not to plant fennel where cilantro, caraway, or wormwood grows, as these will stunt the fennel's growth.
• Fennel can be an important part of the diet of a future or nursing mother, because the special nutrients of this plant stimulate the production of breast milk.
• Plant your fennel in warm climates during the fall and cold areas during the spring.
• Make sure your soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 as fennel grows best in soil that is not too acidic.
• Fennel can grow up to 1.5 meters high, which can cause the stems to break off. Use a stake to protect your fennel from the wind.
• To thresh the seeds, hit the stem against a hard surface.
• Making your own compost will preserve the organic integrity of your plants and is a great way to please the environment.
• Pre-mix additives into the soil and allow time to neutralize before planting season arrives.