Grow Guide Conditions:
Fennel does best during the cool weather of spring and fall, and can be succession planted from spring to fall in cool summer climates. It prefers a fertile, well-drained soil high in organic matter.
Grow Guide Seed:
Direct seed in a weed-free bed, one seed every 2 inches, ½ inch deep, allowing 18-24 inches between rows. Thin to 6-8 inches apart. To start indoors, fill starter tray with a sterile seed staring mix. Plant 2 seeds per cell, ¼ - 1/2 inch deep. Optimum soil temperature for germination is 70-80°F which can be provided by our seedling heat mat. Thin to one plant per cell by snipping off the weaker seedling at the soil level. Harden-off seedlings for 5–7 days prior to transplanting. Transplant 6-8 week old seedlings outside in a fertile garden bed 6-8 inches apart, allowing 18-24 inches between rows. Be careful not to disturb the roots or the plants will bolt (go to seed).
Grow Guide Pests:
Fennel is relatively problem free. Allow some of your fennel plants to go to flower to attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Grow Guide Harvest:
Harvest bulbs when nice and plump by cutting at the base. The feathery anise flavored foliage can be snipped at any time for use in salads. Harvest seeds when they are plump and dry by snipping umbels into a paper bag to finish drying and capture the seeds as they fall off the stems.