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Description

(Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum) Fennel Florence Annual Heirloom. Called finocchio in Italy, fennel's licorice flavored, overlapping leaves form a bulb-like enlargement at the base of the celery-like stalks. The bulb is great in stir-fry dishes, soups, and raw in salads. Fennel also grows well in containers, and its feathery blue-green foliage make it an excellent choice for a courtyard garden or a pot. Soil & Water: Fennel prefers loose, well-drained, moderately fertile soil with plenty of added organic matter. Light but regular water will produce the best bulbs. Planting & Growing: Start seed indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, or sow seed directly once the soil has reached 65F. Fennel tastes best when grown in moderate weather; extreme hot or cold temperatures, or soil that's too dry, tend to make the plants tough. Harvesting & Storage: Harvest bulb once it has reached a 4" diameter and is firm to the touch. The leaves can be harvested anytime the plant is large enough and used like any other sweet fennel. Fennel does not store well; use fresh. Soil Temperature: 65-75F Planting Depth: 1/4" Germination: 7-16 Days Height At Maturity: 3' Days To Maturity: 65-100 Days Sun/Shade: Full Sun Spacing After Thinning: 12" WARNING! The ants are stealing small seeds, so it is better to start indoors. Planting Instructions: Plant seeds " deep. Sowing: Year round - greenhouse in winter and outdoors in summer. Soil Facts: Requires a well prepared soil. Use general purpose fertilizer or mature compost when preparing soil.