Florence Fennel

Florence fennel needs fertile, well-drained soil near pH 6.0-7.0 and uninterrupted growth to form tender swollen leaf bases. Incorporate compost and feed lightly rather than heavily; heat, drought, and root disturbance can encourage bolting.

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

10 in

First harvest

80–100 days

Tips

• Direct sow bulb-forming varieties 1/4-1/2 inch deep and thin to 8-12 inches apart.
• For fall crops, use a late-summer sowing and a variety suited to that season to reduce bolting.
• Water consistently and mulch so the root zone does not repeatedly dry out.
• Use a light side-dressing if growth stalls, and inspect foliage for aphids and caterpillars before treating.
• Cut bulbs at soil level when about tennis-ball size and before a flower stalk forms.