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.
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
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
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
Frequently asked questions
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 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.
More in the Foeniculum genus
- Foeniculum vulgare 'Amigo'fennel 'Amigo'
- Foeniculum vulgare 'Bejo 2222'PBR
- Foeniculum vulgare 'Preludio'PBR
- Foeniculum vulgare 'Sirio'
- Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitumItalian fennel
- Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum 'Montebianco'fennel (Florence) 'Montebianco'
- Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitumFennel
- Foeniculum vulgare green-floweredgreen fennel