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Fennel can be quickly grown in pots in a limited space and do not require a lot of maintenance. Continue reading about

Growing Fennel in Container!

Fennel is quite popular for its sweet, aromatic dill-like leaves, seeds, and bulbs. This flavorful herb can be paired with a variety of dishes and herbal teas, making it one of the most used culinary herbs! If you too want to enjoy it fresh, then keep reading this article on Growing Fennel in Container!

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare

USDA Zones: 5-10 

Check out our article on growing sage in containers here! 

Types of Fennel

There are two types of fennel to grow in containers: Florence fennel, which is grown for bulbs and herb fennel, which is grown for leaves and seeds and used as a herb.  

Herb Fennel Types

Bulb Fennel Types

Choosing a Container

Fennel plant can grow up to 3-5 feet tall, depending more on the variety. As its roots grow widespread, select a container that’s at least 12-14 inches deep with drainage holes at the bottom to avoid waterlogging.

When to Grow?

Start sowing seeds indoors, 4 weeks before the last expected date of frost in your area. You can also sow them directly in your patio or balcony after all the predictions of frost are passed and the temperature starts to hover around 60 F (15 C).

For consecutive planting, sow seeds every 3-4 weeks. Do your last sowing of fennel seeds in fall, this should be at least 2 months before the first frost date.

For warm climates, USDA zones 9b-11, you can plant fennel year-round in containers, except the peak summer months. However, the best time is fall! You can grow it till winter and spring and in summer as well, if you’re provide shade from afternoon sun and keep the soil evenly moist.

Want to grow turnips in containers? Click here! 

How to Grow Fennel in Pots?

While growing fennel in container seeds are the best option. You can get seeds from a garden store or online. Asian grocery stores are also an excellent place to find them. Or, get them from your spice rack!

Requirements for Growing Fennel in Pot

Location

Fennel does well in 6-7 hours of sunlight a day. It’s also important to keep the container at a location where it receives plenty of air circulation to avoid diseases. For growing them indoors, a South or West-facing window is the optimum spot.

Soil

For growing fennel in pots, use a well-draining, loamy soil. It is also a great idea to mix 20 percent aged manure or compost into the potting mix to enrich it.

During the mid growth, you can turn your soil by means of trowel to aerate it. But be extra careful to avoid any damage to your fennel plant.

Watering

If you’re growing the plant in a sunny and well-ventilated location, the soil is going to dry out faster. Be sure to keep the soil slightly moist.

While growing the plant indoors, water the plant only when the topsoil is dry to touch. Also, avoid wetting the foliage and always water at the base.

Here’s everything you need to know about growing Swiss Chards in containers! 

Fennel Plant Care

Pruning

Like other herbs, pinch back the growing tips when the plant reaches a height of 5-7 inches. This will allow a bushier growth. If you are harvesting the plant regularly, it won’t require pruning.

Fertilizing

Adding 20 percent compost is sufficient for the fennel plant. Later on, you can side-dress the plant two more times with aged manure or compost, during its growth period.

OR

Once the plant is more than 4 weeks old, fertilize using a balanced liquid fertilizer, providing half of the prescribed dose recommended on the product’s label. Feed the plant once every 4-6 weeks.

Blanching

Once the bulbs start to form at the base of the stem, cover them with soil, making an uphill pattern. This will prevent them from turning green, preserving the sweet flavor. Skip it if you’re not growing the bulb fennel!

Pests & Diseases

Pests like armyworms, cutworms, and aphids can kill the plant. They can be handpicked or washed away with a stream of water. You can also use insecticidal soap.

Diseases like leaf spot, powdery and downy mildew can be detrimental for this herb. Avoid wetting the foliage and provide good air circulation to prevent.

Harvesting and Storage

Start harvesting Herb fennel once the plant reaches a height of 8-10 inches. Use a pair of scissors to cut the leaves, when you need. Do ensure that you are not harvesting more than 1/3 growth of the plant at a time.

For harvesting Bulb fennel, wait till the bulb grows to a size of a ball or 2-4 inches in diameter. Using a sharp knife, cut the top leaves and stalks. Now, pull the bulb upwards using your hands and slice it away from the roots. Wash with water and use right away as it tastes best when fresh!

Fennel tastes best when it fresh. But if you want to store, keep the leaflets in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate the picked leaves for some time.

Benefits of Fennel

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How to Grow Fennel

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a perennial herb grown both for culinary purposes and for its ornamental value. Its feathery, branching, aromatic, yellow-green foliage and tall stature can be attractive as border plantings, in cottage gardens, and more. It is also a good choice for butterfly gardens, as swallowtail caterpillars use it as a food source and pupal site. The plant sports small yellow flowers in the summertime, followed by aromatic seeds that can be harvested along with the foliage. It has a flavor similar to anise or licorice. Fennel is typically planted in the spring, and it has a fast growth rate.

Common Name Fennel, sweet fennel, common fennel
Botanical Name Foeniculum vulgare
Family Apiaceae
Plant Type Perennial, herb
Size 4–6 feet tall, 1.5–3 ft. wide
Sun Exposure Full sun
Soil Type Moist, well-drained
Soil pH Acidic (5. 5–6.8)
Bloom Time Summer
Hardiness Zones 4–9 (USDA)
Native Area Mediterranean

How to Plant Fennel

When to Plant

Plant fennel in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. It takes between 60 and 90 days for most fennel varieties to mature. 

Selecting a Planting Site

A sunny planting site with good soil drainage is key. Besides planting in the garden, raised beds and containers also are options. Fennel should not be planted in the same area as dill or coriander, as cross-pollination can occur and affect the flavor of the seeds. In addition, be sure to take the fennel variety's mature size into account at planting time, so it doesn't shade nearby plants. Also, it can inhibit the growth of tomatoes and beans, so avoid planting near either of those crops.

Spacing, Depth, and Support

Plant seeds roughly 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, and plant nursery starts at the same depth they were growing in their previous pot. Plants should be spaced around 6 to 12 inches apart, and they typically won't need a support structure.

Fennel Plant Care

Light

Fennel prefers full sunlight, meaning at least six hours of direct sun on most days. Shady conditions will make it leggy and floppy.

Soil

Plant fennel in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. It prefers a slightly acidic soil pH.

Water

Fennel likes evenly moist but not soggy soil. Water whenever the soil feels dry about an inch down, but don’t allow the plant to become waterlogged.

Temperature and Humidity

Fennel is a perennial plant within its growing zones, but gardeners outside of its zones often grow it as an annual. The plant is sensitive to frost and cold temperatures. Plus, hot and dry conditions can cause it to bolt and go to seed. Gardeners in mild climates are sometimes able to plant in the late summer for a fall harvest as long as the temperature remains fairly warm. The plant grows best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and in moderate humidity levels. 

Fertilizer

Fennel generally doesn't need fertilizer. But it will appreciate compost worked into the soil at the time of planting, along with a layer of compost added around its base every few months during the growing season.

Pollination

Fennel plants are self-pollinators.

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Types of Fennel

There are two main types of fennel to grow in your garden, depending on how you plan to use it. Florence fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum) is used more like a vegetable, grown for its bulbous stem. The main species plant, common or herb fennel, doesn't produce much of a bulb and is typically grown for its foliage.

Florence fennel cultivars include:

Herb fennel varieties include:

Fennel vs. Dill

At first glance, fennel and dill foliage can look quite similar. The leaves are feathery, bright yellow-green, and branching. However, fennel leaves tend to be longer than those of dill. And the herbs have distinct flavors. 

Harvesting Fennel

Harvest fennel leaves as needed throughout the growing season for fresh use. It's used in both raw and cooked dishes. Frequent harvesting will promote a bushier growth habit and consequently more harvestable foliage. But don't trim off more than a third of the plant at once. Bulbs can be harvested as soon as the base of the stem becomes swollen. Pull up the plants, and store the bulbs unwashed in the refrigerator for up to five days before use.

How to Grow Fennel in Pots

You can easily grow fennel in containers. In fact, this can be a good option to prevent the plant from self-seeding in your garden where you don't want it. The container should be at least 10 inches deep with a similar width, and it should have drainage holes. An unglazed clay container is ideal to allow excess soil moisture to escape through its walls.

Pruning

If you wish, you can pinch off flowers as they appear to prevent the plant from going to seed. This keeps the foliage growing and tasting its best for as long as possible. It also stops the plant from freely self-seeding in your garden. However, if you want the seeds for harvesting or self-seeding, allow the flowers to bloom.

Propagating Fennel

Fennel has a long taproot and thus doesn't divide very easily. The better method is to propagate by seeds. This is both an easy and inexpensive way to get new plants, especially if you live where fennel can only be grown as an annual. Here's how:

  1. Watch for seed heads to form on a mature fennel plant at the end of its growing season.
  2. Shake the heads over a sheet or tarp to collect the seeds within.
  3. Spread the seeds in a single layer in a cool, dark, dry spot to fully dry them for a week or two.
  4. Store the seeds in an airtight labeled container, and plant them in the garden the following spring.

How to Grow Fennel From Seed

Soak seeds in water for a day or two prior to planting to speed up germination. Fennel seeds direct sown in the garden will germinate in a week or two. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy as you wait for germination. Seeds also can be started indoors about four weeks before your last projected frost date in the spring under grow lights. Be sure to gradually acclimate indoor seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden after the weather warms.

Potting and Repotting Fennel

An all-purpose, well-draining potting mix is typically fine for fennel. For container growth, aim to choose a pot that will accommodate the plant's mature size right from the start to avoid having to repot. Fennel doesn't like its roots disturbed. So that means using biodegradable pots for seedlings that can be planted directly in the soil.

Overwintering

If frost is expected in your area, go ahead and harvest the rest of your fennel plant. Otherwise the foliage will likely be damaged or killed. In mild climates, fennel plants can be overwintered for a second growing season, but they usually degrade after that. If unseasonably cold weather is expected in those climates, cover the plants with row covers or another form of protection.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Fennel rarely suffers from serious pest or disease problems, though caterpillars might chew on the leaves. This is best handled simply by picking them off the plants by hand. Most often, they are parsley worm caterpillars, which evolve into black swallowtail butterflies, beneficial pollinators for the garden. You can, therefore, choose to ignore these green caterpillars with black and yellow bands if they're not causing a major issue.

Aphids also can sometimes be an issue, but they can be treated by strong sprays of water to dislodge them. Avoid using chemical pesticides on edible herbs.

In soil with poor drainage, root rot can occur. If you have heavy soil, try a raised garden bed or container to achieve optimal soil conditions.

what is it, growing a plant from seeds, planting and care in the open field and at home, photo

Fennel is still little known to Russian gardeners. Outwardly, it is very similar to the usual dill, but the taste is very different, and its aroma is not so pronounced. Nevertheless, this spice, popular in the Mediterranean countries, is very healthy. Therefore, it is quite possible to take a place in the garden plot for unusual exoticism.

Contents

What fennel looks like

Fennel and dill familiar to Russian gardeners belong to the same Umbelliferae family. Outwardly, they are extremely similar, but the similarity ends there. nine0103 The aroma of fennel greens is more reminiscent of anise, the taste is spicy, with slight notes of sweetness, the bush is powerful (from 90–100 cm high). In terms of the content of vitamins, microelements and other healthy substances, fennel is noticeably superior to dill.

In nature, fennel successfully takes root on almost bare stones, but the gardener will have to work hard to get a crop

The birthplace of this culture is the Mediterranean (North Africa, South-Eastern and Western Europe). Separate varieties are found in Western Asia, South America and New Zealand. In nature, it grows like a weed, almost on bare stones. nine0003

Fennel bushes can be quite compact, but the root system of the plant is powerful, developed

Its healing properties have been known since antiquity. Egyptian, Greek and Arab scientists were well aware of them. The plant is mentioned in their writings by Hippocrates, Pliny, Avicenna. And in the Middle Ages, fennel was credited with a supernatural ability to exorcise evil spirits. A bunch of greenery was necessarily hung over the front door.

In general, fennel is a perennial crop, but the climate in most of Russia allows it to be grown only as an annual plant. A culture accustomed to a tropical climate will not survive the Ural and Siberian winters, even if shelter is provided. nine0003

The vegetable fennel is easily identified by the characteristic "bulb" at the base of the stem

There are two varieties of it - root and vegetable (also known as Italian or Florentine). The first is distinguished by the presence of a powerful rhizome with a diameter of more than 1 cm, resembling a spindle in shape. The second of the leaf petioles at the base of the stem forms small "heads" similar to bulbs. Gardeners most often grow the vegetable fennel. All parts of the plant are edible - greens, fruits, and "heads". nine0003

Heads of fennel tend to be quite firm

The stem of fennel is erect, hollow, rounded, intensively branching closer to the top. The height of the plant varies from 0.9 m to 2 m. The leaves are shaped like dill (strongly dissected pinnate), but differ in color - in fennel they are slightly lighter, with a bluish or silvery-white tint. It is especially noticeable on the upper leaves.

Fennel, if seeds ripen, easily propagated by self-sowing

Flowering of the plant occurs in July-August. The flowers are small, yellow or yellow-green, collected in inflorescences-umbrellas. Their diameter varies from 3–4 cm to 12–15 cm. The fruits are olive or grayish green in color and ripen in mid-September. Having ripened, they break in two and quickly crumble. They also have a characteristic anise aroma and a slight sweetish aftertaste.

Not all gardeners manage to see the flowering of fennel

The first time the plant blooms the next season after planting in the ground, so Russian gardeners most often do not observe this phenomenon. nine0103 Accordingly, it is impossible to collect fennel seeds on your own.

Benefits of the plant and how to use it

According to the content of vitamins and microelements, fennel is far ahead of the usual dill. Particularly noteworthy are vitamins of group B, A, C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, copper, chromium, iron.

All parts of fennel are widely used in folk medicine. It is on its basis that the well-known dill water is prepared, which is used as a diuretic, antispasmodic and disinfectant. nine0104 Its action is very mild, it is recommended even for infants with colic, bloating and spasms in the intestines.

Essential oil of fennel normalizes the state of the gastrointestinal tract, helps to remove toxins from the body. It is also indicated in order to eliminate the effects of overeating and to improve appetite. In aromatherapy, it is used to relieve chronic stress, get rid of unreasonable anxiety. This tool also helps to normalize the state of the nervous system with frequent attacks of aggression and simply improves mood. nine0003

Fennel essential oil has a pronounced calming effect, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system

Fennel leaf tincture has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used externally to treat fungal diseases, heal wounds, ulcers, dermatitis and other skin problems.

In dry form, fennel is a part of many expectorant preparations. They are prescribed for bronchitis, pneumonia, laryngitis, and other respiratory diseases. nine0003

A decoction of herbs is recommended for breastfeeding women. It has been scientifically proven to have a positive effect on lactation. And for pregnant women, this remedy helps to get rid of attacks of morning sickness and restore appetite. It is also useful for gum problems and bad breath.

Fennel leaf decoction is extremely useful for women during pregnancy and lactation

Fennel leaves and seeds are widely used in cooking. It is practically an integral part of the Mediterranean cuisine. nine0104 They are added to salads (even fruit), soups, meat and fish dishes. Fennel is also suitable for home canning. It can be included in recipes for pickled tomatoes, cucumbers, sauerkraut. "Kochanchiki" are also eaten. They are boiled or baked whole, used as a side dish. Seeds are added to the filling of various confectionery products and bread dough, used to flavor alcoholic beverages.

Fennel heads are widely used in Mediterranean cuisine

There are also contraindications. It is strictly forbidden to use fennel for epilepsy. And if you eat it immoderately, it is quite possible to earn an upset stomach and intestines. There is also an allergic reaction. Fennel should be used with caution by those who suffer from frequent bouts of diarrhea.

Fennel seeds are widely used in both traditional medicine and cooking

Video: health benefits of fennel

Description of common varieties

There are not so many varieties and hybrids of fennel. Most of them belong to the vegetable variety. But there are also decorative varieties that are widely used in landscape design. They are distinguished by an unusual shade of leaves.

Fennel cultivars cultivated by horticulturists:

  • Aroma. A variety of medium ripening, greens can be cut 75–85 days after planting. Productivity - 2-3 kg of green mass from a bush.
  • Luzhnikovsky Semko. A fairly compact plant, not exceeding 0.5–0.6 m in height. "Heads of cabbage" are snow-white, rather dense, with small voids. Average weight - up to 200–220 g.
  • Daredevil. A variety of medium ripening, one of the smallest (height up to 0.5 m). "Heads" weighing 100-120 g. They are formed even in conditions of long daylight hours.
  • Corvette. One of the new selections. The variety is late, it takes 120-125 days for the ripening of "heads of cabbage". They are painted white-green, reach a weight of 250–380 g. The height of the plant is about 60 cm, but 1–1.2 kg of green mass can be obtained from it. The yield of "heads" is up to 2.7 kg / m².
  • Soprano. Medium-late variety (vegetation period - 110-115 days), "heads" are white or greenish, very fragrant, dense. The height of the bush is about 1.5–1.8 m, the plant is powerful, intensively branching. The average weight of an elongated "head" is 100 g. The yield from 1 m² is approximately 3-4 kg of greens and up to 2.4 kg of "heads". nine0010
  • Leader. The variety is ultra-early, technical ripeness occurs 1.5 months after planting. The bush is powerful, about 170–180 cm high, densely leafy. The leaves are large. On greens, leaves are removed before flowering.
  • Autumn handsome man. Another early ripe variety, ready for cutting in 38-40 days. The bush is fast-growing, about 150–180 cm high. The greens are very tender, with a slight aroma.
  • Rudy F1. The plant is hybrid, it will not work to collect viable seeds, even if it is cultivated as a perennial. "Heads" are large (up to 300 g), pale green in color, almost regular spherical shape. nine0010
  • Giant Bronze. Freshly blossomed leaves are cast with copper. Gradually change color to greenish brown.
  • Purpureum. Young leaves are bright purple with a bronze sheen. Over time, it changes to a bluish-silver.

Photo gallery: fennel varieties popular with gardeners

Fennel Aroma - a common variety of medium ripening
nine0211 The compactness of the fennel bush Luzhnikovsky Semko does not affect the yield in any way
Fennel Udalets forms "heads" even in conditions of longer daylight hours than is usual for culture
Fennel Corvette - one of the latest achievements of breeders
Fennel Soprano is distinguished by an unusual shape of "heads" nine0212
Harvest fennel greens Leader needs to be cut before flowering
Fennel Autumn handsome - one of the earliest varieties
Fennel Rudy F1 has a very presentable appearance of "heads"
Giant Bronze Fennel not only brings a harvest, but also decorates the site nine0212
Fennel Purpureum looks very impressive and is widely used in landscaping.

Conditions necessary for growing a crop

Fennel is deservedly considered to be a rather demanding crop in terms of growing conditions. In Russia, where the climate is radically different from his usual Mediterranean one, his “wishes” should definitely be heeded if there is a desire to harvest.

The fennel bed must be located in a place well warmed by the sun. In the shade and partial shade, "heads" practically do not form, the greens coarsen, the aroma becomes mild. nine0103 Fennel loves heat, but does not tolerate extreme heat and drought very well. Therefore, over the bed, it is desirable to build a canopy of any white covering material that protects planting from direct sunlight. In a long daylight hours, paradoxically, the plant does not need.

At the edges, it is desirable to limit the bed with slate sheets dug to a depth of 20–25 cm - with a lack of moisture, fennel forms long roots that may well reach neighboring beds and deprive the crops grown there of water. nine0003

Good neighbors for fennel are cucumbers and cabbage. All these plants need abundant watering. In addition, with its aroma, fennel repels many pests, which cucumbers and cabbage do not lack, and attracts pollinating insects. But nearby spinach, cumin, beans, bell peppers affect the culture negatively, inhibiting its growth and development. Any tall plants (such as corn) create an unwanted shadow.

Cucumbers get along well with fennel - both crops need abundant watering

It is best to plant fennel where previously grown vegetables that require large doses of organic fertilizers (potatoes, cabbage, cucumbers). If a new bed is being prepared, it is carefully dug up in the fall, cleaned of plant debris, humus or rotted compost is added (8–10 kg per linear meter). Fresh manure is strictly excluded. Of the mineral fertilizers, only phosphorus and potash are needed (10–15 g per linear meter). Then the bed is covered with a film and left until spring. nine0003

The humus introduced into the bed has a positive effect on the fertility of the substrate

Light sandy soil, as well as heavy clay soil, is not suitable for the plant. The best option is chernozem, gray soil or loam with a slightly alkaline reaction. To neutralize acidic soil, slaked lime, dolomite flour, crushed chalk, and sifted wood ash are added.

Dolomite flour is a natural soil deoxidizer, if you follow the dosage, there will be no side effects

The substrate in which fennel is planted must be well moistened. In this regard, lowlands are suitable, where melt water stands for a long time. But there is often not enough sun. Therefore, about a week before the procedure, you need to carry out moisture-charging watering.

The optimum temperature for fennel seed germination is at least 20°C. They will not die even at 10 ° C, but in this case, seedlings will have to wait at least a month. It is important to follow the planting pattern and ensure that the plants are adequately watered. nine0104 Otherwise, vegetable fennel is likely to go into the “arrow”.

Fennel can be planted in the same place for 3-4 years. Then the soil becomes depleted, which negatively affects the yield.

Growing fennel seedlings and planting seeds in the ground

Summer in most of Russia is rather short and unpredictable in terms of weather. And the growing season for some varieties of fennel (especially vegetables) is 4 months or even more. Therefore, in order for the crop to ripen, it is advisable to grow it with seedlings. nine0003

Seeds remain viable for three years. They are sown in such a way that seedlings of root varieties are transferred to a permanent place in the first half of May, and vegetable varieties - in the last decade of June. With an earlier planting, the plants may stretch out due to a lack of heat, “heads” will not form. Due to the high concentration of essential oils, fennel seeds germinate for quite a long time. It will take about 20 days to wait for seedlings, this is normal for a culture. In general, growing seedlings stretches for about 9-10 weeks.

Fennel seeds germinate long enough, the gardener will have to be patient

Seedlings are grown according to the following algorithm:

  1. Seeds are soaked for 4-6 hours in water at room temperature, a solution of any biostimulant or potassium permanganate (pale pink), wrapped in a damp cloth. To prevent the development of fungal diseases, then you can additionally pickle them for 15–20 minutes in a solution of a fungicide of biological origin (Alirin-B, Ridomil-Gold, Baikal-EM). Then they are dried to a free-flowing state. nine0010
  2. Fennel does not tolerate transplanting very well, so it is advisable to immediately sow the seeds in 3–4 pieces in peat pots, deepening by 1.5–2 cm. They are filled with universal soil for seedlings or a mixture of humus with peat chips and sand (2: 2: one). The substrate must be disinfected and watered abundantly. After planting, the seeds are watered again, the containers are covered with film or glass. Until the emergence of seedlings, they are kept in a dark place at a temperature of 20–23 ° C. The "greenhouse" is ventilated daily for 5-10 minutes so that condensate does not accumulate. nine0010
  3. As soon as the seeds germinate, the fennel is transferred to the windowsill of a window facing southeast or southwest. Seedlings are protected from direct sunlight. She doesn't need lighting. Seedling care consists in regular watering, as soon as the topsoil dries out, and careful loosening of the soil. After two weeks, they can be fed with a solution of any complex fertilizer for seedlings.
  4. 7–10 days before planting, seedlings are sprayed with a 1% solution of carbamide or other nitrogen-containing fertilizer (this has a positive effect on plant immunity) and begin to harden, taking them out into the open air and gradually extending the time spent on the street. nine0010

Fennel seedlings are planted in the ground only when it is warm enough outside

Video: how to grow fennel seedlings

About a week before planting the seedlings, the soil in the bed should be well loosened and leveled. At the same time, simple superphosphate is added in the same dosage as in the fall. Especially phosphorus is needed for vegetable varieties.

Fennel seedlings are ready for planting in the ground in 45-50 days. The interval between plants is about 40 cm, between rows - 50–60 cm. If the pots are peat, you do not need to remove them from the containers. Fennel is buried in the ground to the first cotyledon leaves. Then plantings need to be watered abundantly. Until the seedlings take root and start growing, they are especially carefully protected from direct sunlight. nine0003

When planting seeds directly into the ground, they are sown as evenly as possible in furrows with an interval of 50-60 cm between them. From above they are covered with peat chips or humus (a layer 1.5–2 cm thick) and watered. Until the seeds germinate, the bed is covered with plastic wrap or black covering material. The best time for the procedure is the first half of May.

When thinning plantings, “extra” fennel seedlings are not pulled out, but cut off at the root

After 7-10 days after emergence, they are thinned out, leaving 20-25 cm between adjacent plants if it is a vegetable fennel and 10-15 cm if it is a root fennel. nine0103 "Extra" seedlings are not pulled out, but cut off with scissors.

In regions with a warm climate, where it is possible to grow fennel as a perennial, it is practiced to sow seeds in the fall, at the end of July or in August. In October, plantings will definitely need to be “insulated”, covered with a layer of humus, peat, needles, sawdust with a thickness of at least 10 cm.

Important nuances of crop care

In the care of fennel is quite demanding. The main thing that is needed for the normal development of plants is proper watering. nine0003

Garden work

Fennel does not like "competitors", so the soil in the garden should be regularly weeded. Every time about half an hour after watering, it must be carefully loosened to a depth of 3–5 cm.

Vegetable varieties are spudded 2–3 times during the season, making an earthen mound 5–7 cm high at the base of the stem.

If fennel is grown as a perennial plant and solely for the sake of green mass, it is recommended to cut off flower stalks as they form, so that the bush does not waste energy on them. nine0003

Watering

Fennel is a very moisture-loving plant. If it is cool outside, it is watered every 4-5 days, spending 15 liters per 1 m². In extreme heat and prolonged drought, the soil will need to be moistened daily or even twice a day. The best method is drip irrigation or sprinkling, which allows you to evenly wet the substrate.

Fennel is a moisture-loving crop, it needs to be watered often and regularly

The lighter the soil, the more often the procedure will have to be carried out. Mulch will help retain moisture in the soil. It will save the gardener time for weeding. nine0003

Fertilizing

Fennel prefers organic fertilizers. The first time the seedlings are fed 12–15 days after planting in the ground, then once every three weeks. The plant is watered with an infusion of cow dung, bird droppings, nettle or dandelion greens. The raw material is poured with warm water, insisted for 3-4 days in a container under a closed lid. Before use, it is filtered, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:8 (if it is litter, then twice as much) and a tablespoon of simple superphosphate is added per 10 liters. You can also use an infusion of wood ash and purchased fertilizers based on biohumus. nine0003

Nettle infusion - a natural source of nitrogen and phosphorus for fennel

Winterization

Fennel will not survive the winter in most Russian regions. Therefore, as a perennial plant, it is cultivated only in the southern subtropical climate (Black Sea region, Crimea, Caucasus). To prepare fennel for the cold, in mid-October, all available stems are cut to ground level, leaving no “stumps”, the soil at the roots is gently loosened. Sifted wood ash can be spread over the bed as a fertilizer. nine0104 It contains phosphorus and potassium necessary for plants at this time of the year.

Then the bed is covered with humus, peat chips, sawdust, fallen leaves, needles. It is necessary to create a layer about 10 cm thick. It is undesirable to use straw. Mice often live in it. If the winter is promised to be especially harsh, you can shower the bed with spruce branches or tighten it with burlap, any covering material that allows air to pass through. As soon as enough snow falls, it is thrown on top, forming a snowdrift.

Video: Fennel care tips

Fennel at home

Some varieties of fennel may well be grown indoors as potted crops. In "captivity" the plant rarely exceeds 0.5 m in height, but "heads" are formed despite this, if the roots are not disturbed. It is advisable to choose a container for it with a volume, with a diameter of 25–30 cm. A large drainage hole is required.

Fennel can be grown in a pot on a windowsill, the dimensions of the plant allow it

For growing fennel, a universal soil for indoor plants with the addition of fertile turf (3: 1) is quite suitable. To prevent the development of fungal diseases, a little crushed chalk or activated carbon is added to the finished mixture.

Seeds are sown in pots of 3-4. At the bottom of the tank, a drainage layer 2-3 cm thick is required. Then they act in the same way as when growing seedlings. Greens can be cut when the height of the bush reaches 30–35 cm; it takes an average of 2.5–3 months for the “heads” to ripen. nine0003

Fennel does not like direct sunlight, as well as intense heat, so the pot with the plant is placed on the windowsill of a window facing east or west. In the summer it can be taken out into the fresh air.

Plant care consists of regular watering and fertilizing. Fertilizers are applied every 2–2.5 weeks using any store-bought products based on biohumus. Water the fennel as soon as the topsoil dries out 1.5–2 cm deep. In extreme heat, you can additionally spray the plant or increase the humidity in other ways. nine0104

Typical plant diseases and pests

Fennel by nature has good immunity, so it rarely suffers from diseases. And the spicy smell inherent in greenery effectively repels many pests from it. But sometimes infection can not be avoided after all.

The best prevention is proper plant care. Timely watering and top dressing are especially important. Also be sure to follow the landing pattern. If the plants in the garden are closely spaced, diseases spread much faster. nine0003

Of the most dangerous diseases for fennel:

  • Cercosporosis. The leaves are covered with small yellowish, as if "broken" spots. Gradually, they darken, grow, merge with each other, the affected tissues turn brown and die. For prevention, the bed is dusted with wood ash or crushed chalk, water for irrigation is periodically replaced with a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate. To cope with the disease, any fungicides are used. Of the old time-tested products, the most effective is a 2% solution of Bordeaux liquid or copper sulfate. But you can also use modern copper-containing drugs - Kuprozan, Kaptan, Skor. nine0010
  • Leaf rust. Reddish-brown tubercles or spots appear on the front side of the leaf, the reverse side is covered with a continuous layer of “fleshy” saffron coating. Preventive measures are the same as for cercosporosis. If the disease is noticed at an early stage, it is quite possible to cope with it with folk remedies - a solution of soda ash, colloidal sulfur, an infusion of onion or garlic arrows, kefir diluted with water 1:10 or whey with the addition of iodine (a drop per liter). In severe cases, fungicides are used - Horus, Topaz, Oleocuprit, Raek. nine0010
  • Stem rot. On the stems, starting from the base, a white “fluffy” coating appears, resembling cotton wool, then brownish-green spots oozing muddy mucus spread in this place. For the prevention of plants, it is necessary to periodically dust with wood ash or colloidal sulfur. Having discovered the disease, the plaque is washed with a soft cloth moistened with vodka, the affected areas are disinfected by washing with a bright pink solution of potassium permanganate or 2% copper sulphate. Then they are sprinkled with crushed chalk or activated charcoal. nine0010
  • Root rot. The disease is very difficult to detect in time. It seems that the plant loses its tone and withers for no reason. Only when it has already gone far, the base of the stem turns black, becomes slippery to the touch, spreads an unpleasant putrefactive odor. Mold may appear on the soil. It is best to immediately dig up and destroy the plant, thus eliminating the source of infection. The soil in this place is disinfected by spilling a 5% solution of copper sulfate. If the disease was noticed on time, watering is sharply reduced to the required minimum, replacing the water with a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate, granules of Trichodermin, Glyokladin are introduced into the soil. nine0010

Photo gallery: symptoms of diseases typical of fennel

To combat cercosporosis, any copper-containing preparations are used.
Leaf rust is a common fungal disease of horticultural crops.
Stem rot spreads from bottom to top
nine0211 Root rot is extremely difficult to notice in time, and it can only be dealt with at an early stage of development.

The crop is affected by the following pests:

  • Aphid. Small insects of black-brown or yellow-green color stick around young leaves and inflorescences. They feed on the sap of plants, so the affected tissues turn yellow, discolor and dry out. For prevention, fennel is sprayed with infusions of onion or garlic arrows, dry tobacco leaves, hot red pepper, orange peel. The same folk remedies will help to cope with the pest, if its appearance is noticed in time. Only the frequency of treatments needs to be increased from once every 7-10 days to 3-4 times a day. In the absence of effect, insecticides of general action are used - Mospilan, Tanrek, INTA-Vir, Iskra-Bio. nine0010
  • Thrips. Blurry yellowish spots appear on the front side, thin silvery strokes on the wrong side. If you look closely, you can also see small black "sticks" - these are the pests themselves. For prevention, plants are sprayed with foam of household or green potassium soap, a solution of colloidal sulfur. To combat the pest, Confidor-Maxi, Admiral, Fury, Aktara are used.
  • Wireworm (larva of the click beetle). It gnaws the roots of plants, as a result, the fennel dies without getting enough nutrition. For prevention, any green manure is planted in the aisles, except for beans. Especially the wireworm does not like mustard leaf. Traps also give a good effect - containers dug into the ground filled with pieces of raw potatoes, carrots, and beets. In the event of a mass invasion, Bazudin, Provotoks, Pochin are used. nine0010
  • Caterpillars of scoop butterflies. Caterpillars feed on greens and are able to eat plants in a matter of days, leaving only bare stems. To protect against adults, Bitoxibacillin, Lepidocide, special pheromone or home-made traps are used. Butterflies are lured with the help of containers, which are filled with sugar syrup diluted with water, honey, jam. Decis, Aktellik, Fufanon are used to combat caterpillars.

Photo gallery: what pests dangerous for fennel look like

Aphids are one of the most active garden pests; they will not refuse fennel either.
Thrips feed on the juices of the plant, as a result, it loses its color.
There is hardly a gardener who has never seen a wireworm
Caterpillars of scoop butterflies are able to eat all the greens from a fennel bush in just a few days. nine0212

Collection and storage of crops

Fennel greens are cut when the plant reaches a height of 30-35 cm. At this time, its aroma is most pronounced, and the leaves are still quite tender. "Heads of cabbage" are considered ripe when their diameter reaches 8-10 cm. Most often they are cut off at the very surface of the soil. But if you leave a “stump” 2-3 cm high, in a couple of weeks fresh greenery will begin to grow in this place. The best time for the procedure is early morning (until the dew has dried) or evening after sunset. nine0003

Fresh greens and “heads” can be stored for a week in the refrigerator, in a special compartment for vegetables and fruits, wrapped in cling film. The "shelf life" of the latter can be extended to 6–8 weeks by burying it in a box of sand, which is placed in a basement, cellar, or other room with a temperature of 2–4 ° C, low humidity and good ventilation. Previously, all leaves must be removed from the “heads” and the stem cut off, leaving only the “petiole” 8–10 cm long, and also dried for 2–3 days in the open air. nine0003

"Heads" of fennel intended for storage must not show even the slightest trace of damage typical of diseases and insects

Fennel seeds are harvested when the umbels turn from yellowish green to brown. They are cut and hung to dry in a room at a temperature not exceeding 30 ° C, providing good ventilation and laying a newspaper or cloth underneath. Dried seeds spill out on their own. Then they need to be cleaned of plant debris. Store them in paper bags or linen bags in a cool, dry, dark place. nine0003

Dry the fennel in the same way as any other herb

Fennel greens are dried in the same way. It does not lose its characteristic aroma for 1.5–2 years and retains its benefits. You can also freeze it. To do this, the leaves are separated from the stems, washed, dried, laid out on paper-lined trays or baking sheets, and sent for 2–3 minutes to the freezer, which is switched on in the “shock” freezing mode. Ready leaves are laid out in small portions in special bags with a sealed clasp. Defrost and freeze them again will not work - the fennel will turn into an unappetizing slimy gruel. It can be stored in the freezer for 6-8 months. nine0003

Dried fennel retains flavor and aroma for 1.5-2 years

Video: how to prepare fennel for the winter

Fennel is widely used in cooking and in folk medicine. You can’t call it an easy-to-care plant, but the efforts expended by the gardener pay off with the harvest. In most of Russia, it is grown as an annual crop, so you don’t have to bother with shelter for the winter. Breeders have bred quite a few varieties, each gardener can choose the most suitable for himself. nine0003

  • Author: Julia Golova