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Growing Sweet Fennel in the Vegetable Garden

Sweet Fennel is a cool-weather bulbing fennel often grown as an annual. Direct sow outdoors in full sun after the last frost when the soil is workable and cool. Sow seeds about 0.25 inch deep in rows 18-24 inches apart and keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence, which usually occurs in 7-14 days.

When seedlings are a few inches tall, thin to 4-6 inches apart for standard bulbs, giving the most vigorous plants room to widen. In warmer climates, sow in late summer for a fall harvest so bulbs can size up in cooler weather. Keep soil consistently moist and weed-free; drought or heat stress encourages early bolting and smaller bulbs. Avoid transplanting bare-root seedlings, as root disturbance also triggers bolting.

Harvesting of Sweet Fennel

Begin cutting young foliage once plants are well established by snipping fronds as needed, taking only a portion of the top growth so bulbs can continue to develop. For bulbs, harvest when the swollen base is firm, white, and about 3-4 inches across. Use a sharp knife to cut just above the taproot, then trim the stalks to 2 inches above the bulb.

Sweet Fennel bulbs can be used raw in salads, shaved thin for slaws, or cooked by roasting, braising, grilling, or sautéing. The stalks and fronds impart aroma to soups, stews, and fish dishes, while any developing seeds can be collected for seasoning and spice blends. For storage, keep harvested bulbs chilled and slightly moist; best quality is enjoyed within a couple of weeks.

About Sweet Fennel Garden Seeds

Sweet Fennel, sometimes called finocchio, is a Mediterranean heirloom grown as both a vegetable and herb. Unlike leaf fennel, which is prized primarily for its foliage and seed, Florence forms a compact, bulb-like base at the stem that is harvested and eaten like a vegetable while still young and tender.

This versatile plant offers multiple harvests from one sowing: crisp, white bulbs for roasting and salads, celery-like stalks and feathery fronds for flavoring dishes, and aromatic seeds for teas and sausage-style seasonings. Compact plants, about 24-36 inches tall, fit neatly into mixed beds and containers, providing ornamental texture and culinary value.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Grow Sweet Fennel in cool weather for the best bulbs. Thin early, keep soil moist but well drained, and avoid disturbing the roots. When bases swell to several inches across, cut them cleanly and enjoy their sweet, anise-like crunch."

- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer

Sweet Fennel Seeds Per Package:

• 1 g Packet - Approximately 300 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Bulk - Approximately 2125 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 8,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 34,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk - Approximately 136,000 Seeds
• 5 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 680,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Sweet Fennel seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.