To germinate fennel successfully, the seeds must be in the dark, with a soil temperature of 60-90°F. (70°F is ideal.) Direct seed at 10 seeds/ft, in rows 18″ apart. Thin the seedlings to 6-12″ apart.
Is fennel hard to germinate?
Fennel is easy to grow. They prefer full sun and a well drained soil. They will do best in rich soils. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week.
Does fennel need cold stratification?
Seed: Grow common fennel from seed that has been stratified (chilled or frozen) for at least 2 weeks. Direct sow seed in the garden any time of the growing season. Seeds sprout in 14 days.
How long do fennel seeds take to germinate?
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.
Is fennel hard to grow from seed?
Planting fennel by seed is the much easier option. Seed can be sown as soon as the soil warms in the spring. Soaking your seeds for a day or two before sowing will ensure better germination. Keep the area moist until the seeds sprout and thin the fennel plants to 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.)
Should you start fennel indoors?
If you want to grow fennel in the spring, it’s best to start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date for your region.
Why isn’t my fennel growing a bulb?
Bulb Fennel
If you’ve planted fennel but it’s not producing bulbs, chances are you’ve planted it too late. If you plant as the summer days are getting longer and temperatures are rising, the plant will probably bolt. If you have flowers and no bulb and the temperatures are warm, this could be the culprit.
How do you start fennel seeds indoors?
Fennel can be started indoors, but like its close relative dill, it responds to transplant shock by bolting. Peat, coir, or newspaper pots may help prevent this. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 15-21°C (60-70°F). Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep, a few seeds in each spot you want a plant to grow.
What is the best way to grow fennel?
Plant fennel in spring after the last frost. It’s a great option for growing in raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Space fennel plants 4 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Grow them in an area that gets at least 6 hours of sun and has fertile, well-drained soil.
Can you grow fennel indoors?
When growing fennel indoors, use big containers. They have long taproots that can grow almost a foot long, so you need a container that can comfortably accommodate these roots. Fennels planted in pots dry out faster, so they need to be watered more frequently as well. Starting seeds indoors can speed up harvest time.
When should I start fennel seeds indoors?
Start bulb fennel seeds indoors in early spring, about 8 weeks before your last frost, and set them out under cloches when they have one true leaf. When growing fennel, prepare a fertile, well-drained bed in a spot that is convenient to water, because bulb fennel must have moist soil.
What can you not plant with fennel?
Fennel – Not a companion for any garden food plant, fennel will actually inhibit growth in bush beans, kohlrabi, tomatoes, and others. Plant it, but keep it out of the veggie garden.
Does fennel come back every year?
Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, is a short-lived perennial with some types hardy in zones 4-9 but is often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Can fennel grow in shade?
Fennel grows best in full sun, but the plant can cope with up to three-quarters shade. The soil should be rich, moist, and well drained for ideal growth, but herb fennel, like many herbs, has a way of keeping itself going almost regardless of conditions.
What does fennel grow well with?
One of the few plants that can survive with fennel is dill, which can offer a stabilizing effect for fennel seeds. Fennel also helps to deter aphids in the garden. Tomato + Basil: A classic culinary couple, tomato and basil also make an excellent pair for companion planting.
How deep do fennel roots grow?
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.
How deep do you plant fennel bulbs?
Fennel can be direct seeded or transplanted into the garden. To direct seed, sow plants ¼- ½” deep, and thin to 6-8” apart. Harvest “bulbs” 3-4” diameter. The crunchy white “bulb” that you eat consists of the swollen stem bases of the leaves.
Can you grow fennel from a cutting?
Yes, you can grow fennel from cuttings, although the correct term would be their “fronds.” Keep in mind that propagating fennel in this way can be a serious waste of time since the success rate is extremely low.
Will fennel survive winter?
Frost tolerant
A short-lived hardy perennial, fennel will survive winter temperatures to 0F/-17C.
Why is my fennel plant dying?
Fennel Diseases
Fennel is susceptible to a number of fungal diseases including Cercospora leaf blight, powdery mildew, and rust. To prevent fungal fennel diseases, plant in well-draining soil, select pathogen resistant seeds, do not overcrowd plants, and rotate crops.
Why is my fennel drooping?
Downy and powdery mildew can cause your fennel plants to turn yellow or wilt. You can help prevent these types of mildew by leaving plenty of space between fennel plants, planting in a sunny location, and avoiding excess watering and fertilization.