Florence Fennel on a white plate on a white background.
Fennel Seeds, Florence
Florence Fennel bulbs and fronds on blue speckled countertop
Florence Fennel growing in the garden.
Three Florence Fennel bulbs on a blue background.
Florence Fennel on a white plate on a white background.
Fennel Seeds, Florence
Florence Fennel bulbs and fronds on blue speckled countertop
Florence Fennel growing in the garden.
Three Florence Fennel bulbs on a blue background.

Fennel Seeds,
Florence

4.219 Reviews#HB128 · 200 seeds
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Description

Luscious and pleasantly flavored. Developed in the 17th century and used in Italian cooking. Very tasty and easy to grow.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Foeniculum vulgare
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
80–100
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–70°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Sow Florence fennel in place in mid-spring in rich soil, barely covering the seed with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of soil. Seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days at a germination temperature of 68 to 85 F. It is a cool-season, frost-hardy crop that can be planted in spring and again for a fall harvest. Fennel can be direct sown or transplanted, but the long taproot dislikes disturbance, so do not let plants become root bound; bulbs are ready in 80 to 100 days.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds will germinate in 7-10 days.
  • They can be direct sown or transplanted. (Be aware that the long taproot dislikes disturbance, so don't let them become root bound!)
  • Surface sow seeds and cover with 1/8-1/4 inch soil.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 68-85 F.

How to Grow

  • Fennel prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Sow 2 inches apart, and thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • There are no significant pests of fennel.
  • If you choose to grow fennel for its large, swollen stems, be sure to choose the Florence variety. When the bulb is about the size of a golf ball, blanch the stems by hilling up the soil around the bulb.

How to Save Seeds

  • Fennel requires 1/2 mile isolation from other fennel varieties or dill, otherwise it will become cross pollinated!
  • If you do not have space to isolate, try a bagging or caging technique and hand pollinate.
  • Collecting seeds is easy: simply allow seed heads to turn brown and dry, then cut the stalks and place in a paper bag and shake the seeds free.
  • Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

FAQ

How do I get large, swollen bulbs?

Florence is the type grown for its large, swollen stems. When the bulb is about the size of a golf ball, blanch the stems by hilling soil up around it, and keep the soil uniformly moist throughout the life of the crop.

How far apart should I sow and thin?

Sow about 2 inches apart and thin seedlings to 6 to 8 inches apart, allowing a full 12 inches per plant where you want the biggest bulbs. Give plants full sun and well-drained soil.

Can I save my own seed?

Fennel is insect-pollinated and outcrossing, so isolate from other fennel varieties by about half a mile; it will not cross with dill. Without that room, cage two or more plants together with an introduced pollinator, or alternate-day cage, since the protandrous flowers set poorly when a single plant is bagged. Let the seed heads turn brown and dry, cut the stalks, shake the seed free in a paper bag, and store it cool and dry out of direct sunlight.

Customer reviews

4.2 / 5 19 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sweet anise fronds: Mild, slightly sweet fronds to nibble and toss in salads.

  • Quick to sprout: Excellent germination and rapid growth from the start.

  • Drought tough: Shrugs off dry spells and poor soil; survives light freezes.

  • Swallowtail host: Caterpillars and beneficial insects flock to the plants.

  • Bulbs are tricky: Many got fronds but no bulb; hill up and harvest before it flowers.

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