[gypsy]

This year I fancy growing fennel, I have not grown it before. Has anyone any tips please, when, where, how to plant and how to care for it.

[Mrs Bee]

I have done some for the past 2 years.

I found it quite easy to  plant the seeds straight in the soil.
they grew quite well and got a good heart.

We didn't do anything much to then plants and they did well.
The second year I sewed them a few at a time to get a succession as there were too many to use the first year we grew them and by the time I came to use the older ones they were tough and woody.
I think I sewed the seeds at the same time I did the runner beans.

You can have problems with bolting in the hot weather.

[jaydig]

I have done some for the past 2 years.

I found it quite easy to  plant the seeds straight in the soil.
they grew quite well and got a good heart.

We didn't do anything much to then plants and they did well.
The second year I sewed them a few at a time to get a succession as there were too many to use the first year we grew them and by the time I came to use the older ones they were tough and woody.
I think I sewed the seeds at the same time I did the runner beans.

You can have problems with bolting in the hot weather.

I grew fennel for the first time last year, and I tried three different varieties just to see which was best, and with regard to bolting I found a Taurus to be the most resistant, and it also made the biggest bulbs.

[Mrs Bee]

I think I have got Firenze this year, but have made a note of Taurus and will give that a go too.

Thanks Jay.

I started to grow it 'cos OH, who doesn't like aniseed falvours has decided he likes it cooked with lemon, olive oil and feta. It is lovely baked with fish too.

[Hampshire Hog]

Thanks for the reminder Gypsy. I have grown Fennel a couple of times but it does seem to be a touch temperamental. You need to get the timing right and then keep it growing well. Any check in growth and it complains by bolting. Must give it another go as I love it!!

Cheers HH

[gypsy]

Thank you for all your replies. Can anyone give advice as to when, how and where to plant and how much water feed etc please.

[Mrs Bee]

Sunny spot, well drained soil. Sow where it is to grow not too deep about 1/8 inch cover lightly with soil.

The bulb develops above the soil and when it develops you can earth the bulbs up to keep it white but I don't bother.

Keep well watered or it can bolt and go to seed.

[gypsy]

Thank you

[Mrs Bee]

You're most welcome. Good luck with them.

[gypsy]

If I earth it up to keep it white does it alter the taste?

[Mrs Bee]

No, I don't think so. Perhaps you could do a taste test, leave some unearthed and earth some up.

[gypsy]

I will try to remember to do that.

[compostqueen]

If i could grow but one veg it would be florence fennel.  My absolute fave 

[oldgrunge]

Always follow my garlic crop with a sowing of fennel, about July time. This late sowing helps stop bolting. Just sow them direct and wait for them to grow. One of the easiest, disease and pest free crops I know. Highly recommended, give it a go.

[gypsy]

Thank you for that advice, I was going to sow earlier but if July is good I will wait, my garlic have not even poked through the soil it seems that they are going to grow so will not be following them this yr.