How to Grow Florence Fennel Seeds (Bulb Fennel / Finocchio):
Florence fennel is a cool-season vegetable grown for its crisp white bulb and feathery leaves. Direct sow outdoors because it dislikes transplanting, or start in deep pots and move carefully before roots tangle. Sow in early spring for a late-spring crop, or better yet in late summer for a fall crop (cool weather makes sweeter, less-bolty bulbs). Plant seeds about 0.5–1 cm (¼–½ in) deep in full sun and loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Keep soil evenly moist; seeds usually germinate in 7–14 days. Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm (8–12 in) apart so bulbs have room to swell.
How to Care for Florence Fennel:
Steady moisture is key—dry spells cause tough bulbs and trigger bolting, so water whenever the top few cm of soil dry out and mulch to keep roots cool. Feed lightly: a compost side-dress or balanced veggie fertilizer every 3–4 weeks helps bulb size, but avoid heavy nitrogen late because it pushes leaves over bulbs. As bulbs start forming, you can “hill” a little soil up around the base to blanch them whiter and keep them tender. Watch for aphids or caterpillars; rinse off or hand-pick early. Harvest when bulbs are tennis-ball sized, firm, and glossy (usually 80–100 days depending on weather). Cut at soil level; you can also harvest some fronds anytime for flavor. Cool temps = best bulbs, so if heat comes early, provide light afternoon shade to delay bolting.
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