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Herbs - CulinaryHerbaceous Perennial

Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce

sweet fennel

Vigorous, herbaceous perennial with finely divided, feathery, bright green foliage and somewhat swollen leaf bases (though not as bulbous as traditional Florence fennel). It is mainly grown as a culinary herb for its sweet, aromatic foliage and aniseed-flavoured seeds. Height around 1.5m (5ft).

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Ultimate height

1–1.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

1–2 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Apiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Foeniculum is a large biennial or perennial with aromatic, finely dissected leaves and umbels of small yellow flowers, followed by aromatic fruits
Name status: Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See fennel cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required. Cut back dead stems in autumn or winter. Remove faded flowers to prevent self-seeding

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rots

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