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Organic Gardening:

How to grow organic Florence fennel

Florence fennel is grown for the stem bases

Florence fennel (Finocchio, Sweet fennel)

Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum

Family: Umbelliferae (Group 3)

Florence fennel, also known as finocchio, is one of the most decorative garden vegetables, grown for the succulent, aniseed-flavoured bulb which develops from the swollen bases of the leaf stalks. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult vegetables to bring to maturity, due to its sensitivity to any adverse conditions it encounters. The related herb fennel is dealt with in the herbs section.

Site/soil

Fennel grows best in a sunny position on light sandy soil, though any fertile, well drained soil into which plenty of organic matter has been worked will do.

Cultivation

Florence fennel is a difficult crop, as plants tend to bolt rather than swell at the base. Some cultivars are sensitive to day-length, and bolt if sown before mid-summer; growth checks caused by water shortage, low temperatures, fluctuating temperatures or transplant shock may also result in premature bolting. Improved cultivars are continually being developed which have better resistance to bolting, though none is perfect. Pleasantly warm summers with plenty of moisture are ideal conditions for fennel.

Florence fennel will withstand light frost towards the end of the season. For early winter supplies a late sowing can be made for transplanting under cover. This will not always produce bulbs, but the leaves and stems can be used in salads.

Florence fennel does not like root disturbance, so either sow direct 1cm (½") deep in rows 45cm (18") apart, thinning eventually to about 30cm (12") each way, or sow in small pots or modules, hardening off before planting out at the same final spacing. This method is recommended for early sowings and late sowings transplanted under cover. The first outdoor plantings can be protected with crop covers such as fleece.

Sow from late April to early June, using bolt resistant cultivars for sowings before mid June, for a summer crop. You can also sow in modules in mid July to early August for transplanting under cover.

Keep the crop weed free and well watered. Mulch to conserve soil moisture. Once the stems start to swell, earth them up about halfway for a whiter, sweeter crop (you can add paper collars to keep the soil out, as with trench celery).

Harvest takes place from late July to September, about 15-20 days after earthing up, at about tennis ball size. Cut just above soil level, leaving the stump in the ground. This will usually throw up further small feathery shoots, which can be used in salads. The bulbs can be sliced for use in salads, or served cooked.

If you're interested in healthy food, you may also be interested in our sister site, The Health Site, Your Online Health Channel.

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