Fennel Bulb

1 product

Grow crisp texture and delicate anise-like flavor with bulb fennel seeds from David's Garden Seeds®. Also known as Florence fennel, bulb fennel develops overlapping, swollen leaf bases above the soil, topped by green stalks and feathery foliage. It is grown for this tender base, unlike herb fennel grown primarily for its leaves or seeds.

Plan for Mild Growing Conditions

Bulb fennel generally performs best in cool to mild weather, but planting dates depend on your climate and the variety. Follow the listing and seed packet for timing rather than assuming every fennel suits the same season. Temperature stress, day length and interrupted growth can contribute to premature flowering instead of good bulb development.

Planting Tips for Steady Growth

Sow with care: Follow the packet's depth and temperature guidance. Direct sowing avoids root disturbance; if using transplants, set out young plants gently before roots become crowded.
Prepare the bed: Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil and follow the recommended spacing so the swollen bases have room to develop.
Maintain even moisture: Keep plants watered through dry periods without saturating the soil. Mulch can help conserve moisture and reduce weed competition.
Support healthy growth: Use soil-test recommendations to guide feeding and remove weeds carefully around young plants.
Watch development: Check plants regularly as the bases swell and harvest before they become tough or plants send up flowering stalks.

Harvest and Store Your Fennel

Use the variety's recommended size and maturity as your guide. Cut beneath the swollen base with a clean knife, trim stalks as needed and refrigerate promptly to preserve freshness. Save tender fronds for seasoning, taking care not to strip growing plants of excessive foliage before harvest.

Enjoy Fresh or Cooked

Thinly slice the bulb for salads, roast wedges until tender or braise it as a savory side dish. Cooking softens its texture and mellows its anise-like flavor. The feathery fronds can add fresh flavor to dressings and finished dishes.