Fennel seeds - Foeniculum vulgare

Foeniculum vulgare - fennel

A herbaceous form of fennel, grown for its aromatic leaves and seeds rather than its bulb. Foeniculum vulgare originates from the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. It is a medicinal, tea and culinary plant, and was named Medicinal Plant of the Year 2009 in Germany. The plant is also known as sweet fennel or common fennel.

Appearance and growth habit

Fennel forms tall, loose clumps of delicate, feathery, deeply divided leaves in light and medium shades of green. From June to September, it blooms with flat, yellow umbels. It grows to 100-120 cm when in flower, so it looks best at the back of a border or in a herb garden.

Cultivation

In the wild, it grows in poor grasslands and along roadsides, so it prefers well-drained or average soil and does not need intensive fertilization. As a perennial, it is hardy in USDA zones 6-9; in colder regions of Poland, a sheltered position is recommended. Plant at approximately 60 cm intervals.

Uses

Fresh leaves are added to fish, salads and sauces, while the seeds are used in bread, pickles and herbal teas. Fennel is also a classic medicinal and tea herb. The yellow umbels attract bees.

Seed data

Number of seeds per 1 g: approx. 132. Seeds germinate at around 20°C with constant, moderate substrate moisture; cover them with a thin layer of soil, while very fine seeds should only be pressed into the substrate. After emergence, keep the seedlings in a slightly cooler, bright location.