Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce

RHS Plant Profile
sweet fennel

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Herbs - Culinary Herbaceous Perennial
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Vigorous, herbaceous perennial with finely divided, feathery, bright green foliage and somewhat swollen leaf bases (though not as bulbous as traditional Florence fennel). It is mainly grown as a culinary herb for its sweet, aromatic foliage and aniseed-flavoured seeds. Height around 1.5m (5ft).

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Foeniculum is a large biennial or perennial with aromatic, finely dissected leaves and umbels of small yellow flowers, followed by aromatic fruits
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See fennel cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required. Cut back dead stems in autumn or winter. Remove faded flowers to prevent self-seeding

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rots