Let´s create together.  
Start by saying hi
organicliving

The New Blueprint for Humanity

find a plant
find a plant
Edit Content
find a plant

Search by name or category

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leos.

Fennel

Fennel

All parts of this vegetable are edible with an interesting licorice-like flavor, (member of the
carrot family).
Introduction
Mr. John Doe

Head Director

Description

Optimal Time/Temperature for Germination:
The seeds should be planted directly into the garden, around the time of the last spring frost. Fennel grows as a hardy perennial between USDA hardiness zones 5 and 10. It self-sows very easily, so if it has bloomed once, the seeds will have likely fallen to the ground, allowing it to re-emerge the following spring.
Optimal Soil Conditions:
You can use an almanac to determine when the last frost typically occurs in your area. Plant the fennel seeds in fertile, well drained soil. If necessary, loosen the soil a little before planting and add in some compost and a little soil for drainage. Mix any additives into the soil in advance, making certain that it has time to neutralize before planting season. Plant your fennel during the fall in warm climates, and during the spring in cooler places. However, in northern zones (or areas where winter temperatures regularly drop below 15degrees F/ – 10 degrees C) fennel should be treated as an annual and will need to be replanted each spring. Verify that your soil’s pH level is between 6.0 and 7.0 as fennel grows best in less acidic soil.
Seed Planting Depth, Spacing and Procedure:
Plant the seeds approximately ten inches apart and cover them with a light layer of soil, about 1⁄8 inch (0.3 cm) deep. It’s probably a good idea to plant a few more seeds than you need, then thin them out later. If you prefer, you can plant fennel seeds in containers 4 weeks before last spring frost. Once the seedlings have grown to height of 3 or 4 inches (7.6 or 10.2 cm), you can harden them off in a cool greenhouse or cold frame before transplanting them to the garden. Alternatively, you can keep the fennel in a container. As fennel is a deep-rooted plant, it will require a container at last 12 inches (30.5 cm) deep, filled with light soil with some added gravel for drainage. Fennel plants can be started from cuttings. Once a plant matures, the roots can be snipped and replanted. If you plant more than one fennel plant in a container of this size, it will be too crowded to produce a large bulb, but you will still be able to enjoy the leaves and seeds.
Best Companion Plants and Plants that Hinder:
Plant the fennel far away from any dill or coriander – these plants tend to cross-pollinate, which reduces seed production and affects the taste. Be sure not to start your plants where any coriander, caraway or wormwood is growing as these will impede the fennel’s growth. Consider an exclusive patch for your fennel as it is known to impede the growth of other plants.

Growing Instructions

Crop Maintenance

Once the bulb begins to form at the base of the stem, hill up the surrounding soil to cover it. This shades it from the sun and prevents it from turning green.This is known as “blanching”, as it keeps the bulb white and sweet (which is only necessaryif you intend to eat the bulb) Fennel can grow up to five feet tall, which leaves the thin stems susceptible to breakage. Stake your fennel to support it against the wind.
Moisture Requirements & Solutions:
Fennel grows best in full-sun. At first, you should water it regularly to keep the soil moist. Once it has established itself, you may only need to water it if there is a drought. Be careful not to over water, as this may cause the roots to rot.
Weeding Needs & Solutions:
Feeding Needs/Optimal Natural Fertilizers:
Fertilizer, or nourish the soil with some homemade compost. Every spring, you should fertilize your fennel patch with a standard compost. There is no need to fertilize the soil during growing season.
Pests, Diseases & Solutions:
Fennel is not usually affected by pests or disease, but occasionally you will spot aphids or whiteflies on the leaves. If so, you can use a pyrethrin-based insecticidal soap to get rid of them. If Aphids are a problem, try a basil pesticide. Bring three cups of water to a boil, and then add a cup of fresh basil. Let the mix cool and strain. Then add a tea spoon of natural based dish detergent. Spray onto affected plants.
When to Harvest/Number of days to maturity:
You can start harvesting the fennel leaves once the plant becomes well-established. Florence fennel bulbs can be harvested once they reach the size of a small tennis ball, usually in late summer/early autumn.
How to Harvest:
:Don’t take too many leaves at once though, or you might harm the plant.The fennel leaves can be used to add an aromatic, anise or licorice flavor to soups, salads and other Mediterranean-style diets. Don’t take too many leaves at once though, or you might harm the plant. Fennel bulbs will survive a frost or two, so there is no rush to harvest them as soon as the weather turns cold. However, you shouldn’t allow the fennel bulb to grow too large, or it will turn bitter. If a regular user, try planting multiple plants. Harvest one plant a week, but remember to keep watering and fertilizing the plant after harvest.
Optimal Storage temperature and conditions:
To harvest, cut the fennel below the bulb at the soil line. Use immediately, or store in the refrigerator for several days.
Optimal Preserving Procedures:
Seed Saving:
Fennel seeds can be harvested as soon as they’re ripe and the plant’s flowers have turned brown. The seeds are very loose, so the best way to collect them is to place a large bowl or sheet underneath the plant and shake the seed head. Alternatively, you can wrap the seed heads with cheesecloth while you’re cutting the stalks and remove the seeds later. Can also thresh the seeds, slap the stalk against a hard surface. Allow the seeds to dry completely, then store them in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. They will keep for up to six months.

Harvest and Storage

Notes

Fennel can be an integral part of an expectant or nursing mother’s diet, as nutrients that are exclusive to this plant aid in milk production. Creating your own compost will maintain the organic integrity of your plants, and is a wonderful way to benefit the environment.

From the same Category

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Get Our Latest Update

default-mewe (1)
Link Twitter Instagram

Quick Links

Legal

Stay Tuned With Us

© 2023 THI Group - All rights reserved in trust

Contact to Listing Owner

Captcha Code
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x