Description
Botanical name
Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
Family
Apiaceae
Spacing
Space plants every 15 cm (6″); 30-45 cm (12-18″) between rows.
Depth
6-12 mm (¼-½”)
Requirements
Best in full sun, in moist, well-drained soil. pH around 6-7.
Germination
Seeds will sprout in 7-10 days.
Pests
Can be bothered by slugs and aphids. Hand pick and destroy slugs regularly. Spray aphids off with a blast of water.
Timing
Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost, plant out 1 week after frost. For fall harvest, transplant 10 weeks before first frost, without additional protection. Harden off outside and reduce water 2-3 days before planting out after last frost. Direct sow outside after last frost. Start every three weeks for continued bulb harvest.
Growing
An easy-care vegetable, but keep soil moist. Water during dry spells and mulch. Keep away from dill, as fennel crosses easily with dill, and the results are poor.
Harvest
80 days
Season
Cool, biennial