Growing Florence Fennel, also Finocchio

foeniculum vulgare dulce : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

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

(Best months for growing Florence Fennel in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • 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 6 inches
  • Harvest in 14-20 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Lettuce, Chicory, Cucumber, peas, sage
  • Avoid growing close to: Beans, tomatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
05 Dec 11, Karen McGregor (Australia - temperate climate)
My fennel seems to be making more frondy vegetation and the bulbs don't seem to be growing.What am I doing wrong? My soil is good and I feed my plants with worm tea.
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Feb 12, peter (Australia - temperate climate)
I think you should be sowing seed late summer for picking in June / July
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Apr 11, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone know where Fennel seedlings can be purchased around inner city Melbourne?
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Mar 11, Erin (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Ingrid, I also live in Monbulk. I got my seed through Diggers as i heard that most of the local nurseries are prohibited from selling Florence fennel as it is considered an invasive weed up here. They sell bronze fennel, but it is non-bulbing and only good for foliage and seed. Good luck!
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Mar 11, Simon Grove (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I had a good crop of Florence fennel (swollen bases) in its first spring in my Tas garden, but then left the residual roots and stems to grow over the summer, which they have done flourishingly (I removed the flowerheads before they seed). Is it feasible to get another crop in subsequent springs if I cut these plants right back now - or will these older plants not redevelop those swollen bases next time around?
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Mar 11, Ray South (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I doubt that the you'll get a second crop of swollen bases but you can eat the new spring shoots in the same way.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Mar 11, Katie (Australia - temperate climate)
I read that fennel is a good companion plant for citrus to help prevent gaul wasp infestation. Can I plant florence fennel or is the "vulgare" variety the best for this?
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Jan 11, Ianessa (Australia - temperate climate)
Ingrid you can get Florence Fennel from Diggers, they have mail order.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Jan 11, ingrid (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy Florence Fennel seed? I live in monbulk Vic
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Feb 11, Geoff Hudson (Australia - temperate climate)
The Italian Gardener has organic (Montebianco) and conventional (bianco perfezione) fennel seeds.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 41 - 50 of 60 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi Phil. I may be a bit late but if you're still after fennel seeds I have a bunch I can post to you.

- Penelope Bedggood

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.