How to Grow and Harvest Fennel

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), sometimes called Florence fennel, is a pungent herb with delicate, fern-like foliage. All parts of the fennel plant are edible, including its seeds and large stalk, often called a "bulb." The plants grow no more than 5 feet tall and are best started from seed, as they don't transplant well. Fennel prefers full sun and evenly moist soil. The foliage, bulbs and seeds are harvested at different times throughout the season.

Garden fork
Organic mulch
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Pull up all grass and weeds from the selected growing site. Use a garden fork to loosen the soil 6 to 8 inches deep.
- 2
  Sow the seeds and cover with 1/8 inch of soil.
- 3
  Water until the soil feels lightly moist.
- 4
  Continue to water as necessary to keep the soil evenly moist.
- 5
  Thin the seedlings when they are 2 to 3 inches tall. Leave a space of 4 to 12 inches between each plant.
- 6
  Layer 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the plants when they are 3 to 4 inches tall.
- 7
  Clip off the foliage anytime. For optimum flavor, harvest the leaves just as the blooms begin to open.
- 8
  Gather fennel seeds when the flowers fade to brown. Snip the blooms off and allow them to dry completely. Remove the seeds and place them in a dry, cool location.
- 9
  Harvest fennel bulbs when they are about 6 inches in diameter. Grasp the bulb firmly and pull straight up to remove it from the ground. Store the bulbs in the refrigerator until ready for use.

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