Description
50 Seeds per pack
Florence Fennel (A.K.A. Finocchio)
Days to Maturity: 65 Days
Sun Requirements: Prefers Full Sun; tolerates Light Shade
Botanical Name: (Foeniculum vulgare azoricum)
A staple of Mediterranean and Italian cooking, Florence fennel has been cultivated for centuries for its crisp, bulbous stems rather than seeds or foliage. Loved for its culinary versatility and traditional medicinal uses, this heirloom remains a popular choice for herb gardens.
Historically, fennel has been used for various digestive problems including heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating, loss of appetite, and colic in infants. It has also been employed to ease upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, bronchitis, cholera, backache, bedwetting, and visual problems.
A cool-weather crop that thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, Florence fennel produces tall, feathery fronds reaching 36 to 72 inches high with a 12 to 24-inch spread. At the base, it forms large, round, compact white bulbs measuring 4 to 6 inches in diameter—almost double the size of standard fennel types. The tender bulbs are juicy and mild, with a sweet, anise-like flavor, while the fine, ferny foliage offers a fragrant licorice taste.
The crisp bulb is delicious sliced raw into salads, caramelized in sautés, or roasted to develop a mellow sweetness. The aromatic fronds make an excellent herb for seasoning fish, eggs, sauces, and teas. Young shoots are perfect for microgreens, and even the stems lend rich flavor to stocks and slow-cooked dishes.
Florence fennel keeps well when stored cool and dry, maintaining its sweet flavor for several weeks after harvest. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, it’s a healthy and tasty addition to the spring table.
Planting Instructions for Florence Fennel Seeds
Fennel is a cool season crop, preferring moderate temperatures and full sun. Start fennel seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in cooler climates, or direct seed outdoors after danger of frost. Plant or transplant fennel in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. To direct seed, plant fennel seeds 1/4″ deep, spaced 4-6″ apart in rows. Space rows 12-18″ apart to allow room for bulb development. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to 12-18″ apart when they reach 3-4″ in height.
Fennel germination typically occurs in 7-14 days in soil temperatures between 60-70°F. Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds. Fennel plants will begin to form bulbs as they grow; for optimal size and tenderness, mound soil around the base of the plant when the bulb begins to swell. Harvest fennel when the bulbs reach 3-4″ in diameter, cutting at soil level. Use the feathery leaves and seeds for seasoning, and store bulbs in a cool, dry place for up to a week after harvest.
FAQ:
What is the historical or notable background of Florence Fennel?
Florence Fennel, a staple of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, has been cultivated for centuries, valued for its crisp, flavorful bulbs and traditional medicinal uses.
How would you describe the flavor of Florence Fennel?
Both the bulb and fronds of Florence Fennel share a similar sweet, anise or licorice-like flavor. The crisp, juicy bulb is stronger and can become sweeter when roasted or slightly bitter when sautéed, while the delicate fronds offer a lighter herbal version of the same flavor, perfect for garnishes and salads. Even the stalks have a licorice note but are more fibrous and less commonly used.
What does Florence Fennel look like, and what are its growing habits?
Florence Fennel grows 36 to 72 inches tall with a 12 to 24-inch spread, producing large, round white bulbs 4 to 6 inches in diameter, and delicate, feathery green fronds.
How and when should I harvest Florence Fennel?
Harvest the bulbs when they reach 3–4 inches in diameter, typically around 65 days after planting. Use a sharp knife to cut the bulb cleanly at soil level, ideally in the morning when temperatures are cooler for the best flavor. You can begin snipping the feathery fronds once the plant is well established, but harvest only a small amount of leaves at a time to avoid stressing the plant. Regular, light harvesting of fronds encourages healthy growth without compromising bulb development.
When is the best time to plant Florence Fennel?
Plant Florence Fennel seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost or direct sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Florence fennel prefers cool-season growing with soil temperatures between 60–70°F for optimal germination and growth.
What are the common culinary uses for Florence Fennel?
Florence Fennel is highly versatile, ideal for raw salads, caramelized sautés, roasted dishes, stocks, and as an herb seasoning for fish, eggs, sauces, and teas.
What’s the best way to store Florence Fennel after harvest?
To best store Florence Fennel after harvest, place the bulbs in the refrigerator, ideally in a perforated plastic bag, where they can stay fresh for up to 10 days. Separate the stalks and fronds from the bulb and store them separately in plastic bags or airtight containers. For longer storage, the bulbs can be sliced, blanched, and frozen to preserve their flavor and texture.
What nutrients does Florence Fennel provide?
Florence Fennel is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, making it a nutritious and flavorful addition to a balanced diet.
Does Florence Fennel have any notable growing tips or care requirements?
Florence Fennel prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0, consistent moisture, mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and benefits from soil mounding around the bulb for optimal size and tenderness.
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