90-115 days. Foeniculum vulgare var. azuricum. Florence Fennel Seeds. Non-GMO, short-lived perennial herb, heirloom, open-pollinated. This crop is suitable for garden plots, raised beds, and containers. Florence fennel is a cool-bulbing fennel grown for its crisp, white, celery-like bases and feathery green fronds, with a sweet, licorice flavor, widely used in Italian cuisine for raw salads, roasting, and braising. ~8,500 seeds/oz. Select a Different Use for This Seed: Microgreen Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Foeniculum vulgare var. azuricum Hardiness Zone: Annual 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11; Perennial 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Days to Maturity: 90-115 days for bulbs; 60-90 days for baby bulbs and greens Days to Germination: 7-14 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: Yes, best direct seeded after last frost into cool, well-drained soil. Start Indoors: Optional, 3-4 weeks before last frost in biodegradable pots; transplant carefully to avoid root disturbance. Plant Spacing: 4-6 inches for bulbs (wider spacing for largest bulbs) Row Spacing: 18-24 inches Plant Height: 24-36 inches Plant Width: 12-18 inches Growth Habit: Upright, stocky, bulb-forming plants with feathery foliage Deer Resistant: Moderate Soil Preference: Moderately rich, moist, well-drained soil; pH 6.0-7.5. Temperature Preference: Cooler 50-70 F Germination Temperature: 60-75 F Light Preference: Full Sun to Partial Shade Pests and Diseases: Watch for parsley caterpillars, aphids, and cercospora leaf blight; keep soil well drained and avoid disturbing roots to reduce stress and bolting. Florence Fennel Color: White to pale green bulb at the base with light-green stalks and fine, green fern-like foliage Florence Fennel Flavor: Sweet, crisp, mild anise or licorice flavor with celery-like texture Garden Size: Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Containers Climate Tolerance: Cool weather crop; handles light frost and prefers mild conditions Growing Florence Fennel in the Vegetable Garden Florence fennel is a cool-weather bulbing fennel often grown as an annual. Direct sow outdoors in full sun after the last frost when the soil is workable and cool. Sow seeds about 0.25 inch deep in rows 18-24 inches apart and keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence, which usually occurs in 7-14 days. When seedlings are a few inches tall, thin to 4-6 inches apart for standard bulbs, giving the most vigorous plants room to widen. In warmer climates, sow in late summer for a fall harvest so bulbs can size up in cooler weather. Keep soil consistently moist and weed-free; drought or heat stress encourages early bolting and smaller bulbs. Avoid transplanting bare-root seedlings, as root disturbance also triggers bolting. Harvesting of Florence Fennel Begin cutting young foliage once plants are well established by snipping fronds as needed, taking only a portion of the top growth so bulbs can continue to develop. For bulbs, harvest when the swollen base is firm, white, and about 3-4 inches across. Use a sharp knife to cut just above the taproot, then trim the stalks to 2 inches above the bulb. Florence fennel bulbs can be used raw in salads, shaved thin for slaws, or cooked by roasting, braising, grilling, or sautéing. The stalks and fronds impart aroma to soups, stews, and fish dishes, while any developing seeds can be collected for seasoning and spice blends. For storage, keep harvested bulbs chilled and slightly moist; best quality is enjoyed within a couple of weeks. About Florence Fennel Garden Seeds Florence fennel, sometimes called finocchio, is a Mediterranean heirloom grown as both a vegetable and herb. Unlike leaf fennel, which is prized primarily for its foliage and seed, Florence forms a compact, bulb-like base at the stem that is harvested and eaten like a vegetable while still young and tender. This versatile plant offers multiple harvests from one sowing: crisp, white bulbs for roasting and salads, celery-like stalks and feathery fronds for flavoring dishes, and aromatic seeds for teas and sausage-style seasonings. Compact plants, about 24-36 inches tall, fit neatly into mixed beds and containers, providing ornamental texture and culinary value. Tips From Our Gardeners "Grow Florence fennel in cool weather for the best bulbs. Thin early, keep soil moist but well drained, and avoid disturbing the roots. When bases swell to several inches across, cut them cleanly and enjoy their sweet, anise-like crunch." - Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer Florence Fennel Seeds Per Package: 2 g Packet - Approximately 600 Seeds 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 8,500 Seeds 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 34,000 Seeds 1 lb - Bulk - Approximately 136,000 Seeds 5 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 680,000 Seeds 25 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 3,400,000 Seeds Non-GMO Florence Fennel seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
