Fennel, which are known botanically as Foeniculum Vulgare, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing fennel as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
Best Time to Plant Fennel
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the fennel seeds in spring after the last frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when fennel are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Fennel the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing fennel in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your fennel grow. Generally, your soil should be loamy soil, rich in organic matter. Soil PH levels should be around 6.5 to 8.
6″ apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 18″ apart. 4-6 inches apart in the row with rows 18 inches apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 1/4 inch. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your fennel seedlings apart when they are 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) tall.
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Fennel
The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your fennel. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.
Ideally, your fennel should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more.
How Much to Water Fennel
As you’ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your fennel do, and the amount of water is no different.
Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your fennel begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you’re giving it.
Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it’s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.
How Long Does it Take Fennel to Germinate and Grow?
Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your fennel grow.
It takes approximately 10-14 days to germinate, and a total of 90 days. from seed to harvest.
When to Harvest Fennel
The best time to harvest your fennel is once it reaches the size of a tennis ball.
Fennel can grow up to about 46 feet tall.
What Can Fennel Be Used For?
Food Use: as an aromatic garnish for salads, soups, pasta
Flavor Profile: very mild anise or licorice flavor.
Can Fennel Grow in Pots and Containers?
Yes, you will ideally need a 10″ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.
It also gives you the flexibility to move your fennel around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Are Fennel Safe for Bees?
Yes, fennel are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing fennel is bee-friendly.
