Florence Fennels in Penrhydlyniog

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 Penrhydlyniog · last frost ≈ 15 Apr

Sow April to June, harvest August to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Florence Fennel

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    15 Apr to 24 Jun every 3 weeks

    Sow thinly from 15th April to 24th June 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

    30 May to 10 Jun

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 30th May to 10th June, 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 Jun to 16 Nov every 2 weeks

    From 10th June to 16th 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 base of the swollen stems clear.

  4. 04

    Harvest Bulbs

    12 Aug to 16 Nov

    Start cutting from 12th August once the bulbs are firm and well swollen. Lift or cut them as needed through 16th November, 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.