Species sweet fennel Guide
clusters of small, yellow flowers, umbrella-shaped arrangement with green stems

sweet fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

green,yellow,brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Sweet fennel should be watered frequently to keep the soil moist but never soggy. Generally, watering should be done 2-3 times a week in the warmer months when the soil begins to dry out or at least once a week in cooler months. When watering, ensure that the soil is completely soaked to encourage deep rooting but not overly saturated, as this can lead to root rot.When in doubt, it is always best to go for less frequent but deeper watering sessions for best results.

sunlight

Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) prefers full sun to thrive, receiving about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day throughout the growing season. The plant also prefers locations that benefit from reflected light, such as near walls, in corners, or near a white picket fence. In zones where temperatures become very high, it can benefit from a bit of afternoon shade. Sweet fennel is generally planted in the spring and harvested in midsummer, when it is in full bloom.

pruning

Pruning for sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) should take place in early spring when new growth appears. Pruning should be done as needed to shape the plant and to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Generally, no more than 1 third of the plant should be cut back in any given year. Deadheading spent flowers is an additional pruning task that will help to maintain a neat overall appearance.