Perfection
A reliable maincrop type with good-sized bulbs and a steady crop in the UK.
When to plant Florence Fennel in London
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
Calibrated to London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
30 May to 13 Jun Optional · repeat every 2 weeksSow thinly from 30th May to 13th June in shallow drills, about deep. Keep the soil evenly moist and sow a fresh batch every 14 days for a longer harvest season.
02
Thin Seedlings
16 Jun to 7 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle, from 16th June to 7th July, thin them to one plant every . Keep the strongest seedlings and remove the rest by snipping them off at soil level with scissors, so you do not disturb the roots.
03
Water and Mulch
20 Jun to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksFrom 20th June to 10th November, water regularly so the soil stays evenly moist, especially in dry spells. Mulch around plants to hold moisture and slow bolting, but keep the mulch clear of the developing bulb.
04
Harvest Bulbs
22 Aug to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stageStart cutting from 22nd August once the bulbs are firm and well swollen. Lift or cut them as needed through 10th November, before plants become woody or start to run to seed.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Florence Fennel to consider
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.
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Florence Fennel guides by town
See how Florence Fennel timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.