Sow
Sow in early spring in small pots or modules under cover, or in mid-spring direct where it is to grow.
Grow
Fennel hates having its roots being disturbed or being transplanted, so sow in-situ, either into pots or the ground where it is to grow.
Fennel is a drought tolerant herb once it is established. It prefers a sunny spot in light, free-draining soil, and requires little maintenance apart from the removal of dead stems at the end of the growing season.
Plant
Plant out pot-grown plants from early sowings in late spring and early summer.
Common problems
Aphids: Look for colonies of greenfly on the soft shoot tips of plants or on leaves. They suck sap and excrete sticky honeydew, encouraging the growth of black sooty moulds.
Remedy: Use your finger and thumb to squash aphid colonies or use biological control in the greenhouse.
More info on Aphids
Slugs and snails: These feed on the young seedlings and you'll see the tell tale slime trail on the soil around your crop, as well as on the leaves.
Remedy: There are many ways to control slugs and snails, including beer traps, sawdust or eggshell barriers, copper tape and biocontrols.
More info on Slugs and snails
Harvesting
Harvest leaves as required from spring to autumn. Seeds can be used fresh over the summer months or dried for winter use.
Varieties
Bronze fennel:Hardier than the species, and highly ornamental, bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum') makes a great addition to a flower border or herb garden.
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