Florence fennel is famous for that delicate, licorice-like anise flavor that shines whether you’re crunching on it raw or softening it up in a sauté. Known botanically as *Foeniculum vulgare*, this member of the carrot family usually pops up in our gardens in two forms: bulb fennel and herb fennel (also called bronze or Florence fennel). The bulb variety is the one we love for those thick, white layers that make such a delicious cooked vegetable.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Before you get planting, give your soil a little TLC by loosening it up well. Fennel is a bit of a water-hog, so you want soil that holds moisture without being soggy. On the flip side, avoid super heavy, compacted clay; fennel grows a long taproot that can reach up to 20 inches deep, and it needs room to stretch out!
How to Grow Bulb Fennel
You’ve got options here: you can start your seeds indoors or sow them directly in the garden starting in May. Just a heads-up—don’t rush to get them outside too early. If they get hit by a cold snap, the plants might “bolt” (flowering prematurely), which ruins the bulb.
Starting Seeds Indoors
To get those seeds sprouting, aim for a cozy temperature of around 72°F. Once they’ve germinated, move them somewhere a bit cooler (about 60°F) so they grow nice and sturdy instead of leggy. Plant your seeds about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch deep. Once you see the first true leaves, they’re ready for the great outdoors! Space your transplants about 8 inches apart.
Direct Sowing in the Garden
If you’d rather skip the pots, you can sow directly outside starting in May. Once your seedlings have 2 or 3 leaves, thin them out so they have room to breathe. Aim for rows spaced 12 to 16 inches apart. The golden rule for fennel? Keep it watered! If the soil gets too dry or the weather turns too chilly, the plant will get stressed and start flowering before the bulb has a chance to form.
Herb Fennel in the Rose Garden
Commonly known as herb or wild fennel, this variety is a secret weapon for landscape design—it looks stunning tucked into a rose bed! It can grow into a massive, eye-catching perennial reaching 6 to 7 feet tall. Plus, it produces beautiful, feathery foliage that you can use in the kitchen just like dill. Once it finishes blooming, you can harvest the seeds to use as a spice or save them to plant next season.