did you know?

Fennel has a long history as both a medicinal and culinary herb, but one of its most interesting uses was as a charm against supernatural intruders. In medieval times, it was hung on doors on midsummer's eve to ward off evil spirits, and its seeds were put in keyholes to prevent ghosts from entering.

general maintenance:

To encourage bulb development, remove flower heads as they appear.

pests/diseases:

Aphids, slugs, and stem and root rot may occur.

controls:

For stem and root rot, 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:

Direct sow from mid-spring through late summer, 1/4 inch deep, 10 seeds per foot. Thin to 6 inches apart after true leaves appear. Or sow indoors in early spring in cell-type containers.

water and fertilize:

Keep soil well drained and evenly moist. Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer along the rows when plants are 6 inches high; follow package directions.

garden hint:

Bulb fennel is a cool-season crop that does best when sown in early spring or late summer for a fall crop. 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
• Frost Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

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

combine with:

other culinary herbs, such as anise basil chives dill nasturtium and parsley in the kitchen garden or in containers.