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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Florence Fennel
Planting Calendar
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Sow Seeds
every 3 weeksSow thinly from to in shallow drills, about deep. Keep the soil evenly moist and sow a fresh batch every 21 days for a longer picking season.
Thin Seedlings
When seedlings are large enough to handle, from to , thin them to one plant every . Keep the strongest seedlings and remove the rest carefully so you do not disturb the roots.
Water and Mulch
every 2 weeksFrom to , 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.
Harvest Bulbs
Start cutting from once the bulbs are firm and well swollen. Lift or cut them as needed through , 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.
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