When to plant Fennel in Liverpool

Sow seeds thinly around 2nd April - 30th April 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 16th April to 28th May.

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 30th April - 16th June.

Keep plants evenly moist from 30th April to 12th November, 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 25th June and keep cutting little and often to encourage fresh growth. Leave some plants to flower for seed, then collect ripe heads through 12th November once they turn brown and dry.