Florence Fennel is a versatile heirloom herb and vegetable cherished for its crisp, bulbous base, feathery fronds, and delicate licorice-like flavor. This dual-purpose plant offers tender bulbs perfect for roasting, grilling, or adding raw to salads, while its aromatic fronds and seeds are often used in teas. Native to the Mediterranean, Florence Fennel thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for spring and fall planting. Its attractive, fern-like foliage also makes it an ornamental addition to any garden.
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All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
- Heirloom
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Open Pollinated
- Untreated
- US Grown
- Growing instructions included
- Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
- NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
- All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
- Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
- FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
Common Names: Florence Fennel, Finocchio
Latin Name: Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
Type: Herb and Vegetable
Life Cycle: Annual (Biennial in mild climates)
USDA Zones: 4 - 10
Stratification: Not Required
Germination Ease: Moderate
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a neutral pH
Height: 24-36 inches
Spread: 12-18 inches
Color: Pale green bulbs with delicate, feathery foliage
Harvest Season: Late spring, summer, or fall, depending on planting time
Companion Plants: Carrots, Radishes, Dill
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in cool weather
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Direct sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest.
When to Start Inside:
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, transplanting carefully to avoid disturbing the roots.
Days to Emerge:
7-14 days
Seed Depth:
1/4-1/2 inch
Seed Spacing:
Space seeds 4-6 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once established.
Row Spacing:
Space rows 18-24 inches apart for proper bulb development.
Hardiness:
Tolerant to light frosts; protect young plants from severe freezes.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Florence Fennel thrives in loose, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils that may impede bulb development.
Watering:
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during bulb formation.
Light and Temperature:
Requires full sun and performs best in cool temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F.
Maintenance:
Add mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Hill soil around the base of the plant to blanch the bulbs for a sweeter, more tender harvest.
Container Friendly:
Suitable for deep containers with adequate drainage. Use a potting mix rich in organic matter.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest bulbs when they are 3-4 inches in diameter and firm to the touch.
How to Harvest:
Cut the bulb at ground level, leaving the root system undisturbed to encourage regrowth of fronds.
Drying and Storing:
Fronds can be dried for teas or seasoning. Bulbs store best in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Edible Use:
Bulbs are delicious roasted, grilled, or raw in salads. Fronds and seeds are ideal for teas.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow plants to flower and form seed heads. Collect seeds when they turn brown and dry on the plant.
Seed Cleaning:
Gently remove seeds from seed heads and clean off any remaining chaff.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 2-3 years.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
The flowers of Florence Fennel attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
Origin:
Native to the Mediterranean region, where it has been cultivated for centuries as both a vegetable and herb.
History:
Used in traditional Mediterranean cooking and herbal remedies.
Potential Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals.
Climate Adaptability:
Well-suited to cool climates, Florence Fennel can tolerate light frost and thrives in both spring and fall plantings.
