Growing Fennel, also Bronze fennel

foeniculum vulgare : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions

  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: Thin to 12 inches
  • Harvest in 14-15 weeks.
  • Avoid growing close to: Best grown away from vegetables
  • Bronze fennel

A tall plant with feathery looking leaves. The whole plant has an aniseed flavour, including the seeds. Choose a place in the garden where it can self seed without causing too much trouble and there will be seedlings every year.

Needs staking to protect the seed heads. Can grow to 1.5 m (5 ft). Keep watered, otherwise the leaves dry off.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Fennel

Cut off leaves as required Use leaves fresh or dried . Particularly good with fish.
The seeds can be used in pickling mixes.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries

Be the first to post a question or tip from New Zealand

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Fennel

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.