How to Grow Fennel from Seed?
The Egyptians and Chinese used it strictly for medicinal purposes and their traditions were brought back to Europe by early traders. During the Middle Ages, it was believed to possess magical qualities and people would tie fennel plants to their doors to ward off evil spirits.
Eventually, someone recognized its use as a very good flavor accompaniment to eggs and fish. Today, its crisp anise flavor makes it a favorite of cooks around the world. Originally from Southern Europe, fennel is now widely present in Europe, North America, and Australia and is grown in gardens around the world.
There are two possible propagation methods for growing fennel, but one of them is much simpler.
Growing Fennel by Division or Seed:
Fennel plants can be propagated by division, but this is not as simple as with other garden plants and often proves unsatisfactory. Like its aforementioned cousins, fennel has a long taproot that does not like to be divided or moved. Planting fennel by seed is the much simpler option that gardeners prefer to use.
Fennel seeds can be found in supermarkets, garden centres or even on the internet. They can be sown as soon as the soil warms in the spring. Soaking your seeds for a day or two before sowing will ensure better germination.
Fennel in FlowerMaintaining Fennel Plants:
Keep the area moist until the seeds grow and transplant fennel plants 30cm apart when they are 10-15cm tall. Fennel plants begin to flower about 90 days after sowing.
The stages of fennel growth are fairly simple as the fennel herb is a pleasant garden plant to look at. It belongs to the carrot and parsley family and is a cousin to other herbs such as caraway, dill and cumin. Like these other herbs, fennel plants produce aromatic fruits which are commonly, though incorrectly called seeds.
When growing fennel, choose a sunny spot at the back of a well-drained bed. The finely textured foliage can reach 1m80 in height and makes an excellent backdrop for other flower plantings.
Fennel is a short-lived perennial that flowers best in the second year. It reproduces and forms new seeds quickly and although not considered invasive, it has certainly earned its reputation as an aggressive growing plant.
Fennel can be cut back early in the season to encourage bushy growth and should be deadheaded for seed harvesting and to prevent over-seeding of new plants.
Harvest and dry the seeds when the flower heads disappear.
There is only one restriction on how to grow fennel: don’t plant it near dill. Cross-pollination results in strange seeds for both plants!
Once established, fennel needs no care. It prefers acidic soil, appreciates an occasional dose of mild fertilizer and a little extra water if the weather is hot and dry.
In addition to its contributions to the kitchen, planting fennel will attract beneficial insects to the garden and its leaves are a favorite of the caterpillars of the beautiful tortoiseshell butterfly.
Whether for its culinary value or strictly as an ornamental plant, growing fennel will make a simple and attractive addition to your garden.