Florence Fennels in Foxup

Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum

Florence Fennel
Florence Fennel · Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum

A half-hardy fennel grown for its swollen leaf bases. In the UK it does best sown from late spring into mid-summer in fertile, moisture-retentive soil, with steady watering to avoid bolting and split bulbs.

60 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Foxup · last frost ≈ 15 May

Sow May to July, harvest September to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Florence Fennel

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    15 May to 24 Jul every 3 weeks

    Sow thinly from 15th May to 24th July in shallow drills, about deep. Keep the soil evenly moist and sow a fresh batch every 21 days for a longer picking season.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    29 Jun to 10 Jul

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 29th June to 10th July, thin them to one plant every . Keep the strongest seedlings and remove the rest carefully so you do not disturb the roots.

  3. 03

    Water and Mulch

    10 Jul to 10 Oct every 2 weeks

    From 10th July to 10th October, water regularly so the soil stays evenly moist, especially in dry spells. Mulch around plants to hold moisture and slow bolting, but keep the base of the swollen stems clear.

  4. 04

    Harvest Bulbs

    11 Sept to 10 Oct

    Start cutting from 11th September once the bulbs are firm and well swollen. Lift or cut them as needed through 10th October, before plants become woody or start to run to seed.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Florence Fennel.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Florence Fennel to consider

Perfection

A reliable maincrop type with good-sized bulbs and a steady crop in the UK.

Cantino

A compact hybrid that bulks up fairly evenly and suits smaller plots.

Romanesco

A popular open-pollinated type with crisp, rounded bulbs and good flavour.

Solaris

A bolt-tolerant hybrid that performs well where summers turn dry and hot.

Florence Fennel guides by town

See how Florence Fennel timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.