Fennel Growing Guide
Florence fennel is grown for its swollen, anise-flavored bulb-like base. It is a staple of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, used raw in salads or braised. The feathery fronds and seeds are also edible and widely used as an herb and spice.
Growing Conditions
Soil Requirements
Soil Type & pH
Best soil types: loam, sandy loam, silt loam
pH range: 5.5 - 7.5 (optimal: 6.5)
Drainage: good
Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)
Planting Guide
Yield & Economics
Common Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
- aphids
- swallowtail caterpillar
- whitefly
Common Diseases
- downy mildew
- cercospora leaf blight
- sclerotinia rot
Use to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.
Growing Tips
Sow fennel after the longest day of the year for fall harvest; long days trigger premature bolting before the bulb forms.
Hill soil around the bulb as it swells to blanch it and produce a whiter, milder-flavored product.
Harvest when the bulb is 7-10 cm across by cutting at soil level; the stump may resprout small secondary bulbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Fennel take to grow?
Fennel typically takes 80 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 10 days. The best planting season is late spring, late summer.
What soil does Fennel need?
Fennel grows best in loam, sandy loam, silt loam soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5. Good drainage is required.
What temperature does Fennel need?
Fennel grows best at 15-22°C. Frost tolerance: light. Heat tolerance: low.
What is the expected yield for Fennel?
Fennel yields approximately 25,000 kg/hectare under good conditions. Multiple harvests per year are possible (2).
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