Overview of Florence Fennel 

There are some flowering plants in the carrot family including fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). The flower and leaves are feathery and it has hardy, perennial flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean shores but has spread widely throughout the world, particularly on dry soils near the coast and along riverbanks. 

More to love in Florence Fennel: 

• It is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb used in cooking
• The similar-tasting anise is one of the main features of it
• The Florence fennel can be grilled, braised, boiled, or sautéed
• Can be grown in containers or outdoors

Benefits of Florence Fennel 

As a side dish, it can also be braised or blanched with other vegetables - puree-cooked fennel with butter, salt, and pepper. Fennel can be cut into long, uncooked strips and added to salads. Fennel bulbs contain significant amounts of vitamin C, an essential nutrient for the immune system, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis.

In addition, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in your body, helping to prevent cellular damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.

How to sow and care for Florence Fennel

The seeds of Florence fennel are easy to grow. You will need organic soil that drains well and contains plenty of organic matter. The bed should be prepared beforehand by working in aged compost. Fennel is a perennial plant that grows as an annual in cooler climates. Sow it in the garden up to three weeks before the average last frost date in spring. Germination requires temperatures of 17°C or higher.

When maturing, the fennel prefers cool weather, but it will tolerate heat and cold. Fennel seed should be sown at a depth of 14 inches and a distance of four to six inches. Thinnings should be done to a distance of 12 inches for successful seedlings. Rows should be spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. You can grow companion plants with mints that are members of the mint family.

Florence Fennel needs to be kept dry, with the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Hot climates should mulch the soil to retain moisture. The soil should be prepared with aged compost before planting. A side-dressing of aged compost should be applied midseason to the fennel. Mulch up around the bulbous base when the flower stems are barren when the bulbous base reaches the size of an egg.

This will enhance the taste of the bulb. Prune out seed stalks to increase the number of stems and bulbs. You can let the fennel self-seed if you don't tend to it. The fennel plant is susceptible to parsley caterpillar attack. Remove them manually. There are no severe problems with other pests on the plant.

Note: This Overview is intended as a guide only since cultural practices and climatic conditions may vary.

Specifications:

• Product type: Florence Fennel Seeds
• USDA Zone: 9b
• Soil: Fertile, Loamy Soil
• Harvest Time: 14 Weeks
• Feature: Fast Growing
• Temperature: 17 Degree C
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Tracheophytes, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Asterids
• Order: Apiales
• Family: Apiaceae
• Genus: Foeniculum
• Species: F. Vulgare