fennel

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Smokey') is best watered when the soil is almost, but not quite, dry. A good way to gauge this is to stick your finger into the soil and check the moisture level. During the growing season (spring through fall), it is recommended to water the fennel plant every 7-10 days, giving enough water to evenly moisten the soil. Depending on your climate, you may need to increase or decrease the frequency of watering as necessary. In the winter months, fennel should be watered only sparingly.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Smokey') need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. The best time of day for fertil to receive plenty of direct sunlight is early morning sun or late afternoon. Avoid exposing Fennel to intense midday sunlight, which can stress the plant. Potted Fennel should be placed in an area where it can receive 8 hours of filtered sunlight. During the summer months, Fennel should be placed in a position that receives a little morning shade, and then full sun for the rest of the day.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Smokey') is a hardy perennial plant that should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring. Pruning helps to keep the plant looking neat and tidy and encourages new growth. It can also encourage a bushier plant with more flowering stems. To prune Fennel, begin by removing dead and damaged stems. Next, thin any tall, spindly stems, as well as any crossing, overcrowded or weak stems. Cut these down to a healthy lateral stem, cutting at least 1-third below the existing growth tip. Allow the remaining stems to remain in place, but trim them back to the desired height (generally, this is between 18-24 inches). Finally, tip-prune the remaining stem tips, cutting back a few inches to encourage bushy growth. This should be done annually in the early spring, before the plant begins to actively grow.