How to Grow Fennel From Seeds

Fennel Seeds produce fresh leaves used in salads, or with eggs. One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make with Fennel is to sow a whole row of it all at once. Then it all matures at once and grows woody when not used.  Make smaller succession plantings instead, beginning in April and early May, skipping the hot summer months, which will tend to bring on bolting.  Then plant a fall crop in July. After plant goes to seed, use in baked goods, and has a mild, sweet anise like flavor. It is good with fish (improves digestibility) and in soups, sauces and salads.

This is one of the very best plants you can grow to attract beneficial insects to your garden. Grows 3-4 feet tall. A perennial grown as an annual. Can also be used in meat to flavor for spaghetti sauces. 

DIRECT SOW  or TRANSPLANT

• Planting Depth: 1/8", cover seeds as they need darkness to aid in germination.
• Soil Temp. for Germ.: 60-65°F
• Days to Germ.: 10-14
• Plant Spacing: 6-12"
• Days to Maturity: 60-90
• Partial Shade to Full Sun
• Moderate Water 

GARDEN HINTS:

• Fertilize once or twice a week during the growing season.
• To achieve the most tender stalks, mound the soil a bit around the base of the plant.
• Fennel likes neutral soil, so add some limestone and compost if your soil is strongly acidic.
• If you start Fennel indoors, do so ahead of time- however be advised that you should show the seed in pots and then transplant the seedlings before they start to develop taproots.