About
This annual vegetable with delicately cut, feathery, lime green foliage that is grown for its large, swollen, aniseed-flavoured stems. Height 1m (3.2ft). Yellow umbel flowers are produced if the bulb is not harvested, or if stressed by dry hot weather.
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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in fulll sun. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See florence-fennel cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required. Harvest plants when mature.
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rots