Fennel Seeds – Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel · Foeniculum vulgare · Aromatic Garden Herb Seeds

With airy, finely divided leaves and its sweet anise-like fragrance, Fennel is a graceful addition to a sunny herb garden or botanical border.

Established plants develop delicate yellow flower umbels that attract beneficial garden insects. The foliage can lend a beautiful aromatic character to suitable culinary preparations, while mature plants may produce fragrant fennel seed. The seed packet is labelled as Foeniculum vulgare; it does not identify a Florence-type bulb fennel cultivar, so large edible bulbs should not be promised.

Botanical & Packet Details

• Botanical name: Foeniculum vulgare.
• Plant type: aromatic herb.
• Packet contents: approximately 50 seeds.
• Growth habit: tall, feathery stems with yellow flower clusters when mature.

How to Sow

Direct-sow shallowly, about 0.5–1cm deep, into prepared, free-draining soil in a sunny position. Space or thin seedlings as they develop to allow for the mature plant's height and foliage. Fennel develops a taproot and generally prefers minimal root disturbance.

Growing Conditions

• Light: full sun.
• Soil: free-draining, moderately fertile.
• Water: keep evenly moist during establishment; avoid waterlogging.
• Harvest: snip clean young foliage as needed and allow some flowering stems to mature if saving seed.
• Garden placement: give taller plants room and consider a dedicated herb bed.

Precautions

Fennel belongs to the Apiaceae family; those allergic to fennel, celery or related plants should take care with the harvested herb. Medicinal and concentrated fennel preparations are not equivalent to ordinary culinary use. Seeds supplied for planting.

Storage

Seed counts are approximate; germination and growth depend on temperature, growing conditions and seed handling. Store unused seeds dry, cool and away from sunlight. Seeds are supplied for planting; do not consume the seed packet contents.