Fennel - Key Growing Information
CULTURE: Bulb fennel, or finocchio, prefers fertile, well-drained soils high in organic matter with a pH of 6.5-7.5. Adequate irrigation is needed to produce high-yielding and flavorful crops. Whenever possible, fennel should be planted to mature in shortening days with cooler temperatures, as high heat and long days encourage bolting.
DIRECT SEEDING: Sow midspring through early summer, 10 seeds/ft., 1/4" deep, rows 18" apart. Thin to 6" apart.
TRANSPLANTING: Use 1-2" cell-type containers, sowing 3 seeds/cell, 1/4" deep. Thin to 1 plant/cell. Grow for 4-6 weeks or until plants can be removed without disturbing roots. Transplant outdoors in midspring to late summer 6" apart. Use care as disturbing the roots may cause bolting. Clip off any seed stalks that may form.
HARVEST: When base thickens, use sharp pruners to cut bulb free just above taproot. Cut off leaf petioles 1-2" above bulb to prepare for sale or storage.
STORAGE: Best at 32°F (0°C) with 95% relative humidity.
DAYS TO MATURITY: From direct seeding.
AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE: 1M/100', 5M/500', 1 oz./700'.
TRANSPLANTS: Avg. 4,000 plants/oz.
SEED SPECS: SEEDS/OZ: Avg. 6,500.
PACKET: 200 seeds, sows 20'.