Fennel Seeds

🌿 Foeniculum vulgare Common Fennel – Aromatic Herb with Feathery Foliage and Edible Seeds

Common Fennel is a classic aromatic perennial herb grown for its feathery, blue-green foliage, yellow umbel flowers, and highly fragrant seeds. With a distinctive sweet aniseed flavour, it is valued in both culinary and medicinal use. The leaves, seeds and young stems are all edible, while the tall, elegant plants add structure to herb gardens, borders and wildlife-friendly plantings.

Key Features

● Aromatic herb with sweet aniseed flavour

● Feathery blue-green foliage and yellow flowers

● Edible leaves and seeds for cooking and teas

● Attractive to bees and beneficial insects

● Decorative and useful herb for gardens

How to Sow & Grow Common Fennel (UK)

Direct sowing recommended – dislikes transplanting

Direct outdoors: IV–VI (April–June)

Harvest: VI–IX (June–September) for leaves, later for seeds

Life cycle: Perennial (often grown as a short-lived perennial or annual)

Germination temperature: 15–20 °C (59–68 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: 0.5–1 cm (¼–½ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Well-drained, light soil

Plant spacing: 30–40 cm (12–16 in)

Height: 120–180 cm (47–71 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Choose a permanent position, as fennel dislikes root disturbance.

● Avoid planting near dill or coriander to prevent cross-pollination.

● Cut leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth.

● Allow flowers to set seed for culinary or herbal use.

● Very low maintenance once established.

Special Features

● Classic culinary and medicinal herb

● Tall, elegant growth with ornamental value

● Excellent pollinator plant

Fennel Bulb 'Florence' – Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel Bulb 'Florence' is a versatile and flavorful vegetable producing crisp, swollen white bulbs with tender, aromatic fronds. Known for its sweet, anise-like flavor, it’s perfect for roasting, grilling, salads, and soups. Easy to grow, this variety thrives in sunny, well-drained gardens and makes a striking addition to both kitchen and ornamental beds.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors from February to April or directly outdoors from March to June.

• Plant 0.5–1 cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil.

• Thin seedlings to 30–40 cm apart to allow bulb development.

• Prefers full sun and consistent moisture.

• Harvest bulbs when swollen and firm, before they become woody.

Key Features

• Produces crisp, swollen white bulbs with aromatic fronds

• Sweet, anise-like flavor ideal for cooking

• Thrives in sunny, well-drained soil

• Suitable for salads, roasting, grilling, and soups

• Attractive addition to vegetable and kitchen gardens

Ideal For

• Culinary use in fresh salads, soups, and roasting

• Home gardens and raised beds

• Gardeners seeking versatile, flavorful vegetables

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February to June

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: 30–40 cm

• Harvest: June to September

Quick Tip

• For best flavor, harvest bulbs before they get too large and the texture becomes tough.