Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ) is a perennial herbaceous plant life in the Apiaceae family line , also known as the carrot or Petroselinum crispum house , which include relatives like Daucus carota sativa ( Daucus carota ) , celery ( Apium graveolens ) , and dill ( Anethum graveolens ) . Classified under the genus Foeniculum , its primary comestible species is F. vulgare , with two main varieties : F. vulgare var . vulgare ( barbaric or bitter common fennel ) and F. vulgare var . azoricum ( Florence common fennel , arise for its bulb ) . As a dicot , it features feathery leaves and umbel - shaped prime clustering distinctive of the family .
Fennel is aboriginal to the Mediterranean part , peculiarly southerly Europe and North Africa , where it thrives in wry , rocky soil near the seacoast . Its wild chassis probably originated in what is now Italy , Greece , or Turkey , prefer limestone - rich surroundings . Archaeological grounds points to its presence in the Mediterranean washbasin for millennia , with tameness refining the bulbous Florence variety for cultivation .
Fennel ’s use dates back to ancientness — ancient Egyptians , Greeks , and Romans prize it for food for thought , medicine , and ritual . Pliny the Elder document its virtues in the 1st century CE , while Hellenic mythology linked it to Prometheus stealing fire in a fennel chaff . By the Middle Ages , it go around across Europe , valued for digestion and guard off evil spirit . introduce to the Americas and Asia via compound trade , Florence fennel became a culinary star in Italy , while seminal fluid dominated spice use elsewhere .
Fennel is unmistakable : Firenze finocchio has a swollen , white bulb ( 2 - 4 inch wide ) at the base , point into thick , green stalk topped with feathery , fern - like leaves . waste fennel lacks the electric-light bulb , maturate marvellous ( up to 6 feet ) with thin stems . Both tolerate yellow , umbrella - like heyday clusters in summertime , develop pocket-size , ridged , grayish - green seeds ( 3 - 5 mm long ) . Its anise - like aroma — due to anethole — diffuse all part , from bulb to come .
Fennel prefer coolheaded atmospheric condition , with peak season in downfall and spring ( September - November and March - May ) in temperate regions like the U.S. and Europe . In Mediterranean mood , it ’s harvested year - round , especially Florence fennel , which suppurate 90 - 120 days after embed . source are collected in late summer from wild or spicery - focussed plants . Fresh fennel is widely available in markets , while seeds are a year - rhythm pantry staple .
Fennel ’s versatility shines across its part : the bulb is slice raw into salads for a crisp , licorice - like crush , roasted for caramelized bouquet , or braised in soup and stews . Stalks add flavor to broth , while feathery fronds garnish fish or salad . Seeds — whole or ground — spicery sausages , wampum ( e.g. , Italian taralli ) , and Indian curry , or steep into teas . In Mediterranean cuisine , it mate with seafood ; globally , it ’s a digestif or palate cleaner .
Fennel is low-pitched - kilogram calorie ( 31 kcal per 100 g bulb ) yet nutrient - dense , offering vitamin C ( 12 mg , 14 % DV ) for immunity , atomic number 19 ( 414 mg , 9 % DV ) for heart health , and fiber ( 3.1 g , 11 % DV ) for digestion . It ’s rich in antioxidants like quercetin and anethole , linked to anti - inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits . Seeds allow for saturated oil colour , aiding bloat relief , while the bulb adds folate and atomic number 25 . Its hydrate 90 % water subject matter enhances its lightness .
Culivation of Fennel
Climate essential
Fennel thrives in cool to modest clime , with optimal temperatures of 60 - 70 ° F ( 15 - 21 ° carbon ) for bulb development in Florence fennel . It tolerate light frost but struggles above 80 ° F ( 27 ° C ) , where run off ( untimely florescence ) can occur . Seed - pore wild fennel adapts to warmer , drier condition , lay down it more resilient in Mediterranean - similar summers .
Soil Preferences
Well - drained , fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 - 7.0 suits common fennel best . Florence finocchio prefers loamy or sandy loam enriched with organic subject ( compost or manure ) for bulb growth , while untamed finocchio tolerates poorer , rocky soils . well drainage is critical — waterlogged roots stunt bulbs or molder plants .
Site Selection
Choose a sunny spot with 6 - 8 hours of direct visible light daily , as finocchio demands full sun for robust ontogenesis and flavor . Shelter from strong winds protects its improbable , feathery stalk . In hot climates , slight afternoon shade can forbid heating plant emphasis , specially for electric-light bulb varieties .
Propagation Methods
Fennel is grown from seeds , sow in directly or begin indoors . Florence fennel source are institute ¼ inch deep ; furious fennel scatters more freely . Germination takes 7 - 14 day at 60 - 70 ° F ( 15 - 21 ° C ) . Transplants mold for bulbs but require care to fend off root disturbance , as Florence fennel resents to-do .
Planting Time
Sow Florence Florence fennel in early outpouring ( March - April ) or late summertime ( July - August ) for drop harvests in temperate zone , avoiding summertime heat . Wild finocchio can be set year - round in meek climate , with spring or precipitate idealistic for ejaculate production . Aim for soil temperatures above 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) to kickstart growth .
Watering motive
Keep soil systematically moist but not soggy—1 inch ( 2.5 cm ) of water supply weekly , adjusted for rain . Firenze fennel needs unfluctuating moisture for tender bulbs ; underwatering toughens them . Wild fennel is more drought - tolerant once set up but benefits from occasional rich watering during dry spell .
fertilisation
put on a balanced fertiliser ( for instance , 10 - 10 - 10 NPK ) at institute , then side - garb with atomic number 7 ( for example , 21 - 0 - 0 ) every 4 - 6 weeks for leafy growth . Florence common fennel benefits from extra phosphorus and potassium for bulb size . Avoid over - fertilizing — spare nitrogen triggers bolting and reduce electric light calibre .
Spacing and supporting
Space Florence common fennel 12 - 18 inches apart in rows 18 - 24 in broad to let bulb expanding upon ; wild fennel can be 18 - 24 inches apart for seed crops . Taller variety ( up to 6 feet ) may ask staking in windy areas , though most stand upright course . flimsy seedling to prevent crowding .
blanch ( for Florence Fennel )
To sweeten and white Florence fennel bulb , mound soil or mulch around the al-Qaida 2 - 3 weeks before harvesting , covering up to half the bulb . This blanching reduces rancor and verdancy from sunshine exposure . Wild common fennel vamoose this step , as bulb are n’t the focus .
Pest and Disease Management
Aphids , lick , and parsley worms ( swallowtail caterpillars ) target fennel — use insecticidal soap or helping hand - choice plague . Root rot ( from piteous drain ) and powdery mould ( humid stipulation ) are risks ; secure good air flow and dry foliage . Fennel ’s strong aroma deters some pests , but crop gyration foreclose soil - acquit issues .
increment Cycle
Florence fennel matures in 90 - 120 days from sowing , with bulbs quick when 3 - 4 inch encompassing . Wild Florence fennel take 100 - 150 day to flower and set seed , often grown as a perennial in mild climates . Bolting is a risk of exposure in heat or drouth — reap medulla oblongata early if blossom starts .
harvest
Cut Florence fennel bulb at soil level when firm and plump , leave roots to regrow in meek climates . For seeds , wait until wild fennel ’s umbels turn brown ( late summer ) , then snip off and dry head upside - down in bag to catch seeds . Leaves can be nip anytime for fresh use of goods and services .
Post - Harvest Care
stash away novel Florence fennel incandescent lamp in a icebox at 32 - 36 ° F ( 0 - 2 ° C ) in a moist cloth for 2 - 4 weeks ; seeds keep in airtight containers for year . Post - harvest , decipherable debris and refresh soil for perennials or next planting . In frost - free zones , Florence fennel regrow from roots for multiple season .
