Description
50 Seeds per pack
Fennel – Sweet – Sweet Fennel
Days to Maturity: 60-90 Days
Sun Requirements: Prefers Full Sun; tolerates Light Shade
Botanical Name: (Foeniculum vulgare)
Sweet Fennel has been cherished for centuries as a culinary and medicinal herb, with its history tracing back to ancient Mediterranean cultures where it symbolized strength and longevity. Unlike Florence fennel, which is prized for its large, crisp bulb, Sweet Fennel is entirely edible, with its feathery leaves, aromatic seeds, delicate yellow flowers, and smaller bulb all offering flavorful and versatile uses.
Thriving in full sun and well-draining soil, Sweet Fennel adapts well to various climates. It reaches up to 6 feet tall in ideal conditions, with hollow stems bearing bright green, fern-like foliage and clusters of tiny yellow flowers that attract pollinators. In windy areas, staking is recommended to support its towering foliage. The leaves can be harvested once the plant is well established, while seeds, flowers, and bulbs follow later in the season. The smaller bulb, while more modest than Florence fennel’s, can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked to bring out its mild, sweet flavor.
Sweet Fennel boasts a sweet, strong anise-like flavor with a distinct licorice fragrance, adding depth and richness to a wide range of dishes. The leaves can be snipped and used fresh like dill, the seeds dried for spice blends or soothing teas, the flowers sprinkled lightly over dishes for a touch of sweetness, and the bulb sliced into salads or roasted. It pairs beautifully with fish and lamb, and enhances soups, salads, baked goods, and even savory breads.
Storing well after harvest; the seeds can be dried and kept in airtight containers for months, while the fresh fronds and bulbs can be frozen for extended use. Beyond the kitchen, fennel has long been valued for its ability to aid digestion, relieve colic, and support overall wellness.
Rich in vitamins A and C, along with essential minerals like potassium and iron, Sweet Fennel is a flavorful and nutritious addition to the table!
FAQ:
What is the historical or notable background of Sweet Fennel?
Sweet Fennel has been used since ancient Mediterranean times for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Its yellow flowers are known to symbolize strength and renewal.
How would you describe the flavor of Sweet Fennel?
Sweet Fennel offers a sweet, strong anise-like flavor with a distinct licorice fragrance, adding depth and richness to a wide variety of dishes.
What does Sweet Fennel look like, and what are its growing habits?
Sweet Fennel grows up to 6 feet tall with hollow stems, bright green fern-like foliage, and clusters of tiny yellow flowers that attract pollinators.
How and when should I harvest Sweet Fennel?
To harvest Sweet Fennel, gather the leaves regularly throughout the growing season, harvest the bulb-like base when it reaches about 2–3 inches across (typically 60–90 days after transplanting), and collect the seeds when the flower heads have dried and turned brown.
When is the best time to plant Sweet Fennel?
Plant Sweet Fennel in spring after the last frost. It grows well in raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens.
What are the common culinary uses for Sweet Fennel?
Sweet Fennel's leaves, seeds, flowers, and bulbs can be used fresh, dried, or cooked—perfect for seasoning fish, lamb, soups, salads, and baked goods.
What’s the best way to store Sweet Fennel after harvest?
Dried seeds can be stored in airtight containers for months, while fresh fronds and bulbs can be frozen to maintain their flavor and texture.
What nutrients does Sweet Fennel provide?
Sweet Fennel is packed with vitamins A and C, and offers important minerals like potassium and iron, making it both flavorful and nutritious.
Does Sweet Fennel have any notable benefits beyond the kitchen?
Yes, Sweet Fennel has a long-standing reputation for aiding digestion, relieving colic, and supporting overall wellness with its medicinal properties.
William Gibbs (verified owner) –
I added this bulb to an order and will be adding to salads and stews in the fall
Rex Hartsough (verified owner) –