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About Fennel (Leaf & Seed)

Herb fennel is grown for dill-like fronds and for seed. It does not make a tennis-ball bulb — that is Florence fennel, in Vegetables. Bronze and green leaf types are both herbs. In mild coastal climates it can become weedy; elsewhere it behaves as a short-lived perennial or a self-sowing annual.

When to Plant

Direct-sow after last frost. Transplanting often fails. Soil 50–70°F.

How to Plant

Sow ¼ inch deep, 10–12 inches apart. Full sun, well-drained soil. Do not plant next to dill (same family, easy crossing, similar pests). Water regularly until established, then it is fairly drought-tolerant.

When to Harvest

Snip young fronds anytime. For seed, cut brown umbels into a paper bag. There is no bulb to cut. Leaves freeze well chopped in oil.