SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/8"; soak seeds for 4 days prior to sowing
Starting Indoors:
Start indoors in pots in late winter. Keep at 55-65°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in early spring into cool soil.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Herb and vegetable garden borders and cottage gardens are good homes for fennel. With a reputation as a killjoy in vegetable and herb garden pairings, supposedly suppressing the growth of many other plants, it redeems itself as a boon to the beneficial insect community. Self-sows.
Fertilizer:
Mix in a few inches of compost prior to planting and topdress with an additional 2" or so every spring thereafter if growing as a perennial. If soil is not rich, apply a granular or liquid feed fertilizer every month throughout the growing season.
Diseases & Pests:
Avoid stem and root rot by placing in a well-drained location. If aphids are troublesome, hose down plants daily until the pest is gone; and insecticidal soap can also be applied. Slugs can be an issue; sprinkle some crushed eggshells, diatomaceous earth, or iron phosphate pellets on the ground surrounding the plants.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Collect seeds before they are dispersed by the plant; foliage can be cut as desired. Dig up bulbs after about 3-4 months, when they have reached 2-3" in diameter.
