[sunshineband]

I am hoping that those of you who had fennel seeds have planted them  Are yours up yet because mine are not 

[Trillium]

My fennel isn't up because it's still a bit early to start them off.

[sunshineband]

I've planted mine indoors so I could get a head start 

[5thhorseman]

I grew fennel last year and it survived the winter ... quite a few plants actually.  Must be the milder temp in London.

Thing is, it didn't grow into a nice bulb shape, like what you see in the supermarket or on the seed package, just lots of stalks.

Am I missing a trick?

[Swing Swang]

Seems like it's a bit early for me too. I won't put my first sowing in until May, then a second sowing in Jul/Aug.

SS

[sunshineband]

I grew fennel last year and it survived the winter ... quite a few plants actually.  Must be the milder temp in London.

Thing is, it didn't grow into a nice bulb shape, like what you see in the supermarket or on the seed package, just lots of stalks.

Am I missing a trick?

There are two types of fennel and the one with the bulb base that you buy is called florence fennel. This is the herb and yours sounds very normal - several long thinckish hollow stalks with masses of ferny foliage and flowers/seedheads on the top of the stalks. Mine always overwinters with no trouble, even this year.Hope that helps clear up the mystery

[Swing Swang]

Woops! I'm talking of Florence Fennel, was in 'veg mode' when I first read the post rather than 'herb mode'. Thanks for the clarification.

SS

[Sadgit]

mine all bolted like crazy last year but might give it another blast, if I have some space.

[Plottered]

ive sewn mine indoors last week but nowt showing yet....will let you know when its shows sunshine and thanks again for the seeds

[sunshineband]

Hope they come up or 

[sclarke624]

Regarding the Fennel for bulbs.  A lot of people on here including me did fennel and it didn't bulb up or it bolted.  I grew Romanesco and victoria.

[5thhorseman]

There are two types of fennel and the one with the bulb base that you buy is called florence fennel. This is the herb and yours sounds very normal - several long thinckish hollow stalks with masses of ferny foliage and flowers/seedheads on the top of the stalks. Mine always overwinters with no trouble, even this year.Hope that helps clear up the mystery

Nope, the fennel I have is Finocchio Mantovano.  Seems the picture on the seed pack is a bit misleading

[Stripey_cat]

It bolts if you sow it too early, or if the weather is cold.  It's a PITA in a cool summer.

[jennyb]

i thought i might try sowing mine in the greenhouse this year.  think this will help the bolting issues of last year

[lucywil]

i haven't sown mine yet, but i am hoping with having an extra day off work this weekend i can get it done.

will let you know when they come up