[Thephoenix572]

When is the best time to grow fennel and do you sow it direct or in pots

[Stree]

I have fennel sprouting all over one corner of the garden just appeared last year and they grow away to 5 foot or more, overwintered without a problem and in fine leaf again already this year. As to how to cultivate? Not got a clue. Sorry. But seeing as this lot grew without any human intervention I would think that  just sticking a seed in the soil and watering should do the trick.

[mumofstig]

well, Ive just sown mine a couple of seeds in a small pot on the windowsill   Fingers crossed that's right  

[Ice]

Are you growing the herb or the vegetable?

[sachkrimbo]

well, Ive just sown mine a couple of seeds in a small pot on the windowsill   Fingers crossed that's right  

And me!!! Sowed them yesterday.  Hoping for some herb and some veg, but relaly just having a go at something different

[Thephoenix572]

The Florence variety vegetable variety I think

[mumofstig]

Ah! what I've sown is herb fennel - you want to grow Florence Fennel the bulb fennel.

[Stree]

So what are the huge things I have?

[mumofstig]

If it's tall and ferny then it's herb fennel, you can use the dried seeds in cooking.

If it's about 2ft tall with a bulb sort of celery looking near the soil, then it's Florence Fennel and you eat the bulb as a veg.

[Thephoenix572]

What it's the best way to growing the bulb fennel, direct or in pots and when to start it off. My seeds were bought of Ebay and have no instructions.

[sunshineband]

So what are the huge things I have?

Mine ets to six feet tall and is smothered with yellow flower heads all summer, which the bees etc adore

The seeds are lush and you can eat them green or store them dried --- we give masses away as we get so many 

[oldcow]

Sow directly in the soil not earlier than late April - they dislike cold.  Thin out to a foot each way. Does better in the sun, but part shade will work too, and requires regular watering. It'll be ready to eat after 3 or 4 months, but you can harvest them whenever you think the bulb is large enough.
Protect it fiercely from slugs, they'll go crazy for the seedlings.

[Jonajo]

For full bulbs, I sow my main florence fennel from late June/early July (minimises bolting) -direct into the ground, thin out and water WELL, covering bulbs with soil to help the swell up

But I also sow a lot from end of April to use just as "baby fennel": ie) I dont want these to get to the swollen bulbs stage at all, but there is a bit of a bulb and enough leaves: fabulous raw, but even better sauteed whole in butter

[Schubunny]

For full bulbs, I sow my main florence fennel from late June/early July (minimises bolting) -direct into the ground, thin out and water WELL, covering bulbs with soil to help the swell up

But I also sow a lot from end of April to use just as "baby fennel": ie) I dont want these to get to the swollen bulbs stage at all, but there is a bit of a bulb and enough leaves: fabulous raw, but even better sauteed whole in butter

After seeing a plotholder near me not put his out until around that time and getting a great crop while mine bolted to the heavens this is what I'm planning to do too.