Fennel

Fennel: it’s not just that weird anise-tasting thing, it's a garden superstar! Whether you're after the crunchy bulb, the feathery herb, or even the flavourful seeds, growing fennel at home is easier than you think. Let's dive in and explore how to get the most out of this versatile plant!

TL;DR: Fennel Growing Made Easy

Fennel is a versatile plant offering edible bulbs, leaves, and seeds. It loves a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Sow seeds indoors in spring for later transplanting, or direct sow in late spring. Thin seedlings to ensure good growth, keep the area weed-free, and water during dry spells. Harvest the bulb in late summer/early autumn, the fronds as needed, and the seeds in late autumn when they turn brown. Be aware fennel can be a bit of a diva and doesn't always play well with other plants so plan your fennel companion planting wisely.

Understanding the Fennel Plant

The fennel plant is a fascinating specimen with several edible parts. You’ve probably seen the bulb in shops, it’s crisp and anise-flavored, a great addition to salads or roasted dishes. The feathery leaves, or fennel herb, can be used in cooking or as a garnish. And let's not forget the fennel seeds, a spice in their own right, perfect for flavouring breads and curries. But did you know that there are different types of fennel? The most common are bulb fennel (also known as Florence fennel) and herb fennel. Bulb fennel is grown specifically for its bulb, while herb fennel is grown primarily for its leaves and seeds.

Getting Started with Growing Fennel

When it comes to growing fennel, timing is key. Start planting fennel seeds indoors in spring if you want a head start, about six weeks before the last frost. You can also direct sow the seeds outdoors in late spring once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny spot - fennel adores the sunshine, and the warmer it is, the better the bulb will form. It's also very important to make sure your soil is well-drained. If you're working with heavy clay soil, make sure to amend it with organic matter. Whether you want to grow fennel bulb or grow for the fronds, these principles are the same!

How to Grow Fennel

Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them according to the type you are growing. For bulb fennel, space plants 12-18 inches apart, as they need room to grow. For herb fennel, you can get away with spacing plants a little closer. Once the seedlings appear, thin them out, only allowing the strongest plants to grow. Don't be tempted to crowd the plants as this can negatively impact bulb formation. Water well after planting and during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to rot.

Fennel Care and Growing Tips

Fennel care is relatively straightforward. Keep the area around your plants weed-free to reduce competition. Mulching can help with this, as well as keeping the soil moist. Regular feeding is not essential, but a liquid feed in mid season can be beneficial. If you want to encourage bulb development, remove any flower stalks that appear as the plant begins to mature. They're edible, but removing them pushes energy into the bulb.

The Fennel Harvest

Fennel harvest time is an exciting moment! You can harvest the fronds at any time as needed, using them fresh in salads, soups, or as a garnish. For fennel bulb, wait until it reaches the size you desire, usually in late summer or early autumn, when it's approximately the size of a tennis ball. Dig it up carefully, using a fork to loosen the soil around it. Fennel seeds will develop in late autumn; they're ready to harvest when they turn brown and dry.

Fennel Companion Planting

Here's a note of caution: fennel companion planting can be a bit tricky. It's not a team player in the garden, and its strong anise scent can deter some beneficial insects, so avoid planting it near most other garden vegetables. It does, however, seem to work well with dill, yarrow, and some other herbs. Experiment but be prepared to move your fennel plant if it seems like it's negatively affecting your other plants.

Fennel Benefits and Fennel Recipes

Apart from being delicious, fennel benefits include being a good source of vitamins and minerals, plus a good source of fibre. The bulb is great roasted, braised, or thinly sliced in salads. The fronds are a fantastic addition to fish dishes, soups, or as a fresh garnish. And the seeds? They’re perfect in breads, curries, or even as a tea. So, try out some new fennel recipes - you won't be disappointed!

So, there you have it - fennel cultivation made easy. It's a versatile plant that provides all year round goodness. Now get out there and get growing! Happy gardening!