Alvesgaspar / CC BY-SA 3.0
herb
Fennel
Foeniculum
EdibleMedicinalToxic — Use CautionDrought Tolerant
Overview
A graceful, anise-scented plant that offers three harvests in one — the crunchy bulb, the feathery fronds, and the aromatic seeds. Florence fennel is grown for its swollen bulb base, while herb fennel is grown for foliage and seeds. Fennel is famously allelopathic, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, so it's best grown in its own dedicated space.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones5 — 9
Height1.5m
Spread1m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH5.5 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost; dislikes transplanting — use peat pots |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant carefully; taproot is sensitive |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest fronds anytime; bulb when 3" across; seeds when brown |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow in spring; thin to 12" apart |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Cut fronds as needed; harvest bulb at 3" |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Sow in early spring; keep away from dill (cross-pollinates) |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall sowing for bulb fennel |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Jul | Spring harvest; cut bulb at soil line |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Nov — Dec | Fall bulb harvest |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sowing; bolts in spring heat |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Dec — Mar (wraps) | Harvest during cool months |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Cool-season crop; sow in fall |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Mar | Winter/early spring harvest |
Uses
Culinary
- Bulb sliced raw in salads or braised and roasted
- Fronds as a delicate garnish for fish and salads
- Seeds used in sausage, bread, and spice blends
Medicinal
- Carminative seed tea for gas, bloating, and colic
- Estrogenic compounds traditionally used for milk production
- Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic for digestive comfort
Other Uses
- Host plant for swallowtail butterfly caterpillars
- Bronze fennel is a stunning ornamental with copper foliage
Safety Notes
Skin contact with the sap or essential oil is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[218, 222]. Ingestion of the oil can cause vomiting, seizures and pulmonary oedema[222]. Avoid for small children. Avoid if cirrhosis/liver disorders. Diabetics check sugar content of preparation [301].
