[JDGen]

Any advice please.....?

I have some Florence Fennel plants outside in a raised bed.  They were planted with the surface just below the point where the bulb was forming, but I have now read that I should earth them up.

Is this correct, and if so when do I do it and how much do I earth up?

Thanks for any help,

JDGen

[Ice]

Just keep earthing up the bulb area until it's ready to eat.  Good luck, it's a very frustrating plant to grow.

[JDGen]

Hi Ice,

Thanks for that - I know they can be difficult but giving it a go!!  Do I earth up the whole depth of the bulb?

[Ice]

Yes, the bit you want to eat.

[sunshineband]

I think you earth them part of the way up the stem as well to make sure the whole bulby bit is covered.

[JDGen]

Lovely, thanks for your advice - I'll see what happens!

[JayG]

I asked the "Florence Fennel" question a few months ago as I have been spectacularly unsuccessful growing them in the past!

I seem to remember that the biggest problem is that they run to seed without bulbing up if sown too early (before July/August) and you finish up with aniseed-flavoured celery sticks so tough they will break your teeth! 

Got the seeds, waiting to chance my arm after the first early spuds are out unless someone can tell me different!

[Ice]

I think that's way too late JayG.  Get them in now and make sure the soil is well draining.  Don't let them dry out and hope for a hot summer.

[sunshineband]

Trouble is florence fennel is often sold just as that rather than named varieties, with an indication of which are bolt resistant  

April is was a good time to sow most varieties I think...... but it is only just May and a bit chilly  

[Ice]

That's why it's such a hit and miss crop, all the elements need to combine in a mysterious way to produce something worthwhile in this country.

[sunshineband]

That's why it's such a hit and miss crop, all the elements need to combine in a mysterious way to produce something worthwhile in this country.

Mysterious way --- a very good description