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 ReviewsSKU: #HB128Min. seed count: 200
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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.

Growing Tips: Sow in place in mid-spring in rich soil, barely covering seeds. Keep soil uniformly moist throughout the life of the crop. Self-sows in favorable conditions.

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

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.
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