Guide to growing Fennel Foeniculum

Fennel is a favourite plant of many cooks.

Although it is a hardy perennial it is usually grown by gardeners as a hardy annual.

It has leaves of a feathery nature and umbrella clusters of very small yellow flowers; these are carried on 10cm long stalks.

The scientific name for Fennel is Foeniculum.

How to grow Fennel (Foeniculum)

Fennel seeds should be planted outdoors at the beginning of spring before the last frost has occurred. For best results Fennel should be grown in sunny part of the garden even though they are tolerant of light shade. Fennel and other Foeniculum should be grown in a soil that has a pH of 6 to 8 and good drainage. You may prefer to start growing fennel indoors, to plant outside in the spring or autumn. If so grow the fennel in a peat pot, but do not expect all the plants to survive.

Caring for and harvesting Fennel

Fennel is grown for its leaves, these can be harvested as soon as the plnat has flowered. You will find that the fennel (Foeniculum) plant produces more leaves if you remove the flowers after they have bloomed. It is important not to grow Dill in the same area as Fennel, as the Dill species is closely related and able to cross pollinate! Seeds should be harvested in the autumn and stored in a Tupperware or similar container.