Grow Florence Fennel in the herb garden, from freshly harvested Foeniculum vulgare herb seeds. Florence Fennel is a bushy herb that grows to a very tall height of about 60 to 72 inches tall. All parts of this herb are aromatic, as well as delicious, making its primary use, culinary. Its scent is a bit like the herb Anise, although it differs by being a tad bit sweeter. Florence Fennel not only smells great, but looks great as well. Each plant will produce small, yellow flowers, on small branches that shoot outwards from the main stem. Its blooms resemble that of a dill herb plant.
Florence Fennel plants are categorized as annual herbs. They will grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds, blooming for a short period of time, and later wilt with the first frost. If seeds are collected from the wilted, dried flowers, these delicious herbs can be regrown the following year. You can begin harvesting in roughly 100 days after the first sprouts appear. The bulbs can be pulled and eaten as a vegetable, while the seeds can be picked from brown, dried umbels.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Annual
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Green
- Height: 60″ to 72″ Tall
- Width: 12″ to 24″ Spread
- Harvest: 50 to 80 Days
- Uses: Culinary
- Environment: Full Sunlight
Sowing The Seed
Florence Fennel seeds can be sown indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the seeds at a shallow depth of about 1/4″ under topsoil. Transplant entire peat pots into the garden, or direct sow outdoors when the weather has become warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Florence Fennel plants will thrive in an area of full sunlight, with average temperatures being 55F to 70F. They require a light, but rich sowing medium. Just make sure that your soil is also well drained. To increase drainage, we always recommend that you mix a light compost to any areas containing hard, compact soil. Water daily with a light water setting, so that you do not disturb the seeds.
Germination & Growth
Florence Fennel seeds will begin to sprout within 7 to 14 days after sowing, but can sometimes take up to 21 days. The plants will grow to a tall height of around 60 to 72 inches tall. Each plant can be spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart from one another. Florence Fennel is one of the most aromatic herbs. All parts of these plants are edible, including the bulbs, seeds and leaves as well.