did you know?

The early Greek name for fennel was derived from a word meaning "to grow thin," as its seeds were used as an appetite suppressant. The Romans renamed the plant from the Latin which means "hay."

general maintenance:

To prevent self-sowing, deadhead flowers before they mature or collect some seeds for future sowing or for culinary use.

pests/diseases:

Stem and root rot, aphids, and slugs may occur.

controls:

For stem and root rots, reduce soil moisture and remove severely diseased plants. Hose off aphids with a strong stream of water, apply horticultural-oil spray, or use beneficial insect predators. Handpick slugs or use beer traps.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants, or sow seed indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 4–6 inches apart. Harden off seedlings and transplant after last frost, when weather has settled. Or direct sow after last frost and thin seedlings when true leafs appear to 1 foot apart.

water and fertilize:

Allow soil to dry before watering. No supplemental fertilization is required.

garden hint:

If you spot green, black-striped caterpillars eating your fennel, dill, or parsley, let them be?they will eventually become swallowtail butterflies.

features:

• Drought Tolerant
• Fragrant

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible
• Dye (use flowers and leaves for mustard-yellow to golden-brown dye)
• Medicinal

combine with:

other plants used for dyes, such as golden Marguerite (), goldenrod (), lady’s bedstraw (), safflower (), and woad ().