Finally, a vegetable that is virtually pest and disease free! Florence fennel is extremely low maintenance and the reward is outstanding. I have childhood memories of long lunches that always had a bowl of white fennel stems soaking into fresh water featuring at the centre of the table – it was used to scoop up fresh herb dips or eaten alone as a palate cleanser.
How to grow Florence Fennel
Florence fennel, the vegetable we are all familiar with, is an annual vegetable plant not to be confused with the perennial herb plant of fennel, which is also edible but mostly used as aromatic ingredient. Its name ‘Florence’ may have originated from the location of the Italian breeders.
Florence fennel heads are a collection of white, thick stems growing just above the ground in the shape of a bulb, developing upward with a green stem, like celery, and with small, green, feather-like leaves.
The roots are very peculiar. The main root goes straight down, sometimes 30cm deep with a few capillary roots growing on its side. Obviously, the plant looks for moisture and nutrients deep down in the soil and that is why it is especially important to dig and work in the soil with lots of manured material when preparing the garden bed.
Plant distancing is important so that mounding can be done with a hoe without digging too close to the plants.
Weak or loose soil is not ideal, so choosing the right spot is essential. Fennel likes soil that drains well rather than holding on to moisture for any length of time.
Intercropping
Intercropping is not recommended as other plants can interfere with the roots of the Florence fennel. Bare ground in between rows can be easily taken over by weeds as the fennel plant foliage is light and offers plenty of air to any germinating weed. Light hoeing will uproot weeds so they can be mixed and rotted in the mounding around the fennel head.
Once germinated, the seed leaves may easily be confused with young weeds and pulled out by mistake. I always use small rings of PVC white pipe, roughly 5cm tall, to lay flat around the seed location.
Anything growing outside the PVC ring is a weed! Once the fennel has developed true leaves, I gently lift off the ring.
How to grow Florence Fennel
Planting
Florence fennel can be sown from April to September. Sow in situ, 20-30cm apart, as the seedling will not survive the stress of transplanting. Mounding is necessary to support and help head growth.
Buffer Zone
Florence fennel is one vegetable that is pretty much allelopathic to all other plants – this means it exudes chemicals that suppress growth in neighbouring plants. You can still plant it in beds, but give it a well–mulched buffer zone.
Water
Florence fennel grows best in an alkaline soil, so add lime before planting. Keep it well-watered to avoid woody stems – the soil should be consistently moist, so gently water once or twice a week.
Harvest
The bulb is ready for harvesting when it has reached the size of a cricket ball. The plant reaches full maturity three months after sowing. Fennel stems can be cut once the plant is established.
Store
To store, trim the fronds to 5-7cm above the bulb. Wrap loosely and store in the fridge for 5-10 days. Fennel freezes well, but blanch first then store in sealed bags for about 6 months.
How to Use Florence Fennel
Fennel Seeds
The seeds give a sweet licorice-like taste and scent to curries, stews, breads, desserts, and drinks.
Fennel Stems
These can take the place of celery in soups and stews, and can be used as a ‘bed’ for roasted chicken and meats. Use the fronds as you would any other herb.
Fennel Bulb
The versatile bulbs are popular with chefs and can be sautéed in risotto, made into relish or eaten raw.
