Florence Fennel Seeds – Non-GMO Heirloom

Grow Sweet, Crisp Bulbs from Heirloom, Non-GMO Florence Fennel Seeds

Florence fennel is a treat you rarely find fresh at the store. Our heirloom fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) grow the plump, anise-scented bulbs you can roast, shave raw into salads, or braise until sweet, and the feathery fronds double as a delicate herb. It is a rewarding cool-season vegetable with a flavor all its own.

Who it's for

A fun grow for cooks who like something a little special. Fennel suits gardeners with cool spring or fall weather and steady moisture, and while it takes a bit of attention to bulb up well, the payoff on the plate is worth it. If you love Mediterranean food, this one is for you.

How & when to plant

Fennel forms a taproot and dislikes being moved, so sow the seeds directly where they will grow. Plant them about a quarter to half an inch deep in full sun after your last frost, or sow in late summer for a fall crop, and thin plants to about 6 to 12 inches apart. Seeds usually germinate in 7 to 14 days. Our Fennel growing guide covers timing and bulbing tips.

Growing & care

The secret to good bulbs is steady moisture and cool weather, since heat and dryness make fennel bolt before it swells. Keep it evenly watered, and once the bulb starts to form, mound a little soil around its base to keep it pale and tender. One note for the garden: fennel can discourage nearby plants, so give it its own corner.

Harvest

Harvest the bulbs once they are plump and firm, usually around 80 to 100 days from sowing, cutting them at the base. Snip the ferny fronds any time as a herb, and if plants flower, you can let them set seed to use as a spice. Fennel is best used fresh and crisp.

Benefits & uses

Every part of Florence fennel is useful. Roast or grill the bulbs, shave them raw into slaws and salads, scatter the fronds like dill over fish and potatoes, and save the seeds for sausage, bread, and spice blends. The flowers are also a magnet for pollinators and beneficial insects.

Why gardeners grow our fennel seed

Our fennel seed is heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated, chosen for strong germination and packed fresh by a licensed seed dealer based in the USA. It is honest seed you can plant with confidence and save from your own plants season after season. Choose the pack size that suits your garden and get sowing.