Fennel (Herb) Growing Guide

Foeniculum vulgare

Crop Rotation Group

Umbelliferae (Carrot and root family) ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Position

A sunny spot where fennel’s tall branches will not cause unwanted shade.

Frost tolerant

A short-lived hardy perennial, fennel will survive winter temperatures to -17C (0F).

Feeding

Not usually required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 35cm (1' 1") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 40cm (1' 3") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start seeds indoors in late winter and early spring, or plant them outdoors while the weather is still cool.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Fennel flowers attract numerous small beneficial insects.

Harvesting

Gather fennel fronds as you need them in the kitchen. Fennel can reseed to the point of weediness. Gathering and using the blooms as cut flowers will prevent excessive reseeding.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Fennel (Herb)

Aphids (General)

Carrot Root Fly

Slug

Snail