About
A biennial plant reaching 1.5m in height, with aromatic feathery green leaves and swollen, bulb-like white stem bases which can be eaten as a vegetable. If left to bloom, it has tall stems bearing acid yellow flowers in flat flowerheads, mid and late summer followed by aromatic seeds.
About the genus
Foeniculum is a large biennial or perennial with aromatic, finely dissected leaves and umbels of small yellow flowers, followed by aromatic fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage, Fruit
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in full sun. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. For more advice see florence-fennel cultivation
PruningCut back dead stems in autumn or winter. Remove faded flowers to prevent self-seeding. For use as a vegetable, harvest plants when mature
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails in seedling stage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free