How to Grow

From seed

Fennel is usually propagated directly from seed and requires an ambient temperature between 15 and 20°C (59–68°F) to germinate.

It should be planted in early Spring or Fall when temperatures are suitable.

Choose a sunny spot in the garden, fertilize soil.

Sow seeds 1-3cm deep, 50cm apart in rows 50cm apart.

Cover with seed mix, water well.

Once seedlings emerge, feed weekly with plant food.

As plants grow and bulb begins to appear to be swelling, mound the soil in a hill around the base of the plant to exclude the light.

From seedling

Plant when seedling is 7cm high or more.

Plant in fertile soil and follow 'how to grow from plant' instructions.

In a pot

Not recommended to grow in a pot, as a 30cm pot would only accommodate one plant.

However, if you wish to grow, choose a 30cm wide and deep plant.

Position in sunny spot.

Fill with potting mix.

Sow seed, plant 2-3 seeds in the middle of the pot.

Cover lightly with seed mix, water well.

Alternatively, pant one seedling in the middle of the pot.

Water regularly.

Once seedlings emerge, thin to the strongest plant and feed weekly Plant Food Concentrate.

Ready to harvest

Harvest when the bulb is the size of a flat tennis ball.

Carefully dig out of the soil, or cut off the base.

If harvesting from a row, take care to limit disturbance to roots if there are still other plants growing.

Collect seed

For optimal freshness, the seeds should be harvested just as the flowers are beginning to dry out and turn brown.

Clip the top of the stalks with the flower heads and place them on a tray in a dark place to dry.

This usually takes from one to two weeks.

Most of the seeds will dry and drop off the flowers.

For those that don’t, rub the flower heads over a bowl until the seeds fall out.

Remove any stalks from the bowl and transfer the seeds into small jars, leaving any powder and dust in the bottom of the bowl.