Overview
Foeniculum vulgare is a bushy, clump forming herbs - culinary in the genus Foeniculum, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Foeniculum vulgare grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include culinary herb and ornamental. It is native to Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia and France.
About
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a flowering plant species in the carrot family. It is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. It is indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world, especially on dry soils near the sea coast and on riverbanks. It is a highly flavorful herb used in cooking and, along with the similar-tasting anise, is one of the primary ingredients of absinthe. In the wild it grows across Caribbean, North America, Oceania, Armenia | Manizales, Afghanistan and other regions. It grows to around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fennel
About the genus
Foeniculum is a genus of flowering plants in the carrot family. It includes the commonly cultivated fennel, Foeniculum vulgare.Species:Foeniculum vulgare Mill. - Mediterranean, cultivated and naturalized in many regions Foeniculum scoparium Quézel - North Africa Foeniculum subinodorum Maire, Weiller & Wilczek - North Africa Foeniculum piperitum (Ucria) C.Presl - Mediterranean, Macaronesia Foeniculum sanguineum Triano & A.Pujadas - Morocco, Spain
Wikipedia contributors, "Foeniculum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Foeniculum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Foeniculum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Foeniculum vulgare size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Culinary herb, Ornamental
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France
- Fragrance
- Anise-like, sweet, aromatic scent.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Foeniculum vulgare
- Cultivation
- Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to 30 cm apart. Water regularly but do not overwater. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent self-seeding. Remove dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Foeniculum vulgare?
Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to 30 cm apart. Water regularly but do not overwater. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Where is the best place to plant Foeniculum vulgare?
Foeniculum vulgare prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Foeniculum vulgare need?
Foeniculum vulgare is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Foeniculum vulgare?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent self-seeding. Remove dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health.
How big does Foeniculum vulgare grow?
Foeniculum vulgare reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Foeniculum vulgare hardy in the UK?
Foeniculum vulgare has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Foeniculum vulgare?
Seed, Division.
