When to plant Fennel in Cambridge

Sow seeds thinly around 23rd April - 21st May on a fine, raked seedbed, then cover with only a light dusting of soil. Keep the soil just moist during germination. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days for a longer picking period.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them so each plant has room to make a strong root. Keep the best seedlings and remove the rest cleanly to avoid crowding from 7th May to 18th June.

Direct-sown fennel needs no transplanting. Once the seedlings are established, thin them to 30 cm apart in full sun and free-draining soil, and use a cloche or fleece if cold weather returns around 21st May - 7th July.

Keep plants evenly moist from 21st May to 19th October, especially in dry spells, but do not leave the soil soggy. Pinch out the growing tips regularly so the plants stay bushy and are less likely to bolt.

Pick young leaves from 16th July and keep cutting little and often to encourage fresh growth. Leave some plants to flower for seed, then collect ripe heads through 19th October once they turn brown and dry.