Grow Fennel

Try something new in your garden--Grow Fennel! We've grown it several times and it is something fun and different to add to dishes you make in your kitchen.

Fennel has a flavor that is often described as sweet and mild, with a light licorice or anise taste. If that sounds strong, do not worry. Raw fennel tastes fresh and crisp, and when you cook it, the flavor becomes softer, sweeter, and more mellow.

If you have never tasted it before, think of celery mixed with a hint of sweet herbs. The bulb is juicy and crunchy when sliced thin. The fronds, which are the feathery green tops, taste delicate and make a nice fresh garnish.

This is Dragon fennel.

Grow Fennel - 6/15-6/21/2026

Grow Fennel - Introduction

If you want to try something a little different this season, you should grow fennel in your backyard garden. Fennel is useful, tasty, and surprisingly beautiful. It has soft, feathery leaves, a crisp bulb, and a sweet smell that stands out the moment you brush against it.

Many home gardeners in the United States do not grow fennel very often. That is a big reason to give it a chance. It is one of those vegetables that feels special in the kitchen and eye-catching in the yard, yet it can still be grown from seed without too much trouble.

I like fennel because it gives you more than one harvest. You can use the bulb, the stalks, the leaves, and the seeds. Once you learn how it grows, you may wonder why you waited so long to plant it.

There are two main kinds of fennel that gardeners talk about. One is Florence fennel, also called bulb fennel, which is grown for its swollen bulb at the base. The other is herb fennel, which is grown more for its leaves and seeds than for a bulb.

For most backyard gardeners who want a vegetable for the table, Florence fennel is the type to grow. It forms the crisp bulb you see in stores and recipes. Herb fennel is still useful, but it is more like an herb plant than a true bulb vegetable.

Grow Fennel - Companion Planting

One reason people hesitate is companion planting and fennel. Fennel has a reputation for not getting along with many other plants. Unlike easygoing vegetables that fit neatly into mixed beds, fennel is often better off in its own space.

Fennel can slow the growth of some nearby plants, especially beans, tomatoes, and a few other common garden crops. Because of that, many gardeners plant it in a separate bed, at the end of a row, or even in a large container. Giving it room is often the simplest solution.

That said, companion planting and fennel does not have to feel confusing. The main rule is easy to remember: do not crowd fennel into the middle of your vegetable patch. Keep it apart from sensitive crops, and you will avoid most problems.

A dedicated fennel patch works well. I once tucked fennel into a mixed raised bed with other vegetables, and it never seemed like a happy arrangement. After that, I started planting it by itself, and the plants looked stronger and easier to manage.

So, why you want to plant fennel in your garden comes down to a few simple things. It tastes good, looks lovely, attracts helpful insects when it flowers, and gives you a vegetable that feels a bit more exciting than the usual choices. It is also a smart plant for gardeners who enjoy trying something new.

Grow Fennel - Planting

This man has a beautiful garden but he needs to grow fennel so he is planting some seeds from David's Garden Seeds.

When choosing a spot, look for full sun. Fennel grows best with at least six hours of sunlight each day, and more is even better. Sun helps the bulbs develop well and keeps the plants sturdy.

Good soil matters too. Fennel likes well-drained soil that is loose, rich, and easy for roots to move through. If your soil is heavy or packed tight, mix in compost before planting.

Fennel also prefers soil that stays evenly moist but not soggy. A garden bed that dries out too fast can lead to stress, while a wet, muddy bed can cause problems with roots. Aim for balanced moisture from the start.

If you want to grow fennel in your backyard garden. for both food and beauty, consider planting a short row of bulb fennel and letting one or two plants flower for seed. That way, you get bulbs for the kitchen and blooms for insects and seed saving.

Just remember to place that row carefully. Because fennel is not the best team player, it should usually be kept away from many common vegetables. This is one crop where a little planning really pays off.

For gardeners with limited space, containers can work well. Choose a deep pot with good drainage and rich potting mix. Container-grown fennel still needs sun and steady watering, but it is easier to isolate from other crops this way.

If you are gardening with kids, fennel can be a fun plant to grow. The feathery leaves invite touching, the smell is memorable, and the bulb shape is interesting to watch as it develops. It is the kind of vegetable that sparks curiosity.

Families also like plants that offer more than one use, and fennel does exactly that. You can harvest part for dinner, save fronds for garnish, and maybe gather seeds later. It gives you several ways to enjoy one planting.

Another reason more people should grow it is that fennel helps expand what your garden can offer. If you always plant the same vegetables, the garden can start to feel predictable. Fennel adds variety to both your beds and your meals.

You can start fennel from seed, and that is the most common way to grow it. We recommend getting your fennel seed from David's Garden Seeds®. Seeds are easy to handle and usually sprout well in warm soil. Many gardeners find direct sowing works better than transplanting.

That is because fennel does not always enjoy having its roots disturbed. If you move it too much, it may bolt, which means it sends up flowers too early instead of making a good bulb. Direct seeding helps avoid that setback.

This woman started her fennel in the greenhouse early and is now transplanting it to the garden. Everyone loves to grow fennel.

In cooler regions, plant fennel after the danger of hard frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm. In areas with hot summers, many gardeners get better bulbs from a late summer sowing for a fall harvest. Fennel often grows best in mild weather.

Timing matters because hot weather can trigger bolting. If the plant feels stressed by heat or sudden cold, it may focus on flowers and seeds instead of bulb growth. That is why many gardeners aim for spring or fall conditions rather than the hottest part of summer.

To plant the seeds, sow them about one-quarter to one-half inch deep in prepared soil. Space the seeds a few inches apart, and plan to thin the seedlings later. Water gently after planting so the soil settles around the seeds.

Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them so the plants have enough room. Bulb fennel usually needs around 8 to 12 inches between plants. Good spacing helps air move around the plants and gives each bulb space to swell.

If you want neat rows, place rows about 18 to 24 inches apart. This makes watering, weeding, and harvesting easier. It also helps you see the bulbs as they begin to form near the soil line.

Some gardeners prefer to start seeds indoors in biodegradable pots so they can plant the whole pot outside without disturbing roots much. This can work, but direct sowing is still usually safer. If you do transplant, handle the seedlings very gently.

Grow Fennel - Taking Care Of Your Growing Plants

Fennel as well as herbs growing together. Fennel should be in a bed on its own as it really doesn't like other plants.

After germination, keep the bed free of weeds. Young fennel plants do not like heavy competition. A light layer of mulch can help hold moisture in the soil and reduce weed growth.

Water fennel regularly, especially while the bulb is forming. Dry spells can make the plant tough, stringy, or more likely to bolt. Try to keep the soil evenly moist rather than letting it swing from very dry to very wet.

Fennel is not a plant that usually needs heavy feeding. If you added compost before planting, that may be enough. In poor soil, a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer can help, but too much nitrogen may lead to lots of leafy growth and a weaker bulb.

As the bulb begins to enlarge, some gardeners mound a little soil around the base. This can help blanch the bulb and keep it paler and more tender. It is not always required, but it can improve texture and appearance.

Keep an eye out for flower stalks forming too early. If your goal is a bulb, bolting is not what you want. Stress from temperature swings, root disturbance, or uneven watering often causes it, so steady care goes a long way.

If a plant does bolt, all is not lost. You can still use the leaves and stalks, and the flowers may later produce seeds. Those seeds are useful in cooking, and they can also be saved for future planting if the variety is open-pollinated.

One nice thing about fennel is that beneficial insects often enjoy its flowers. If you let some plants bloom, you may notice pollinators and other helpful insects visiting them. The yellow flower heads add a wild, airy look to the garden too.

Still, if your main goal is eating the bulb, harvest before the plant shifts too far into flowering mode. A good bulb should feel firm and look rounded at the base. Do not wait too long, or it can become less tender.

Grow Fennel - Time To Harvest

Mom and the kids are harvesting fennel. This is how to pass on your gardening skills to the next generation--get the kids in the garden so they get hands on experience.

Most bulb fennel is ready to harvest in about 80 to 100 days from seed, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Check your seed packet for a more exact estimate. Weather can speed things up or slow them down a bit.

To harvest, use a clean knife and cut the bulb at soil level, or pull the whole plant if the soil is loose. Trim away the roots and separate the fronds from the bulb. Save the fronds because they are full of flavor.

Smaller bulbs can be very tender and sweet, so do not assume bigger is always better. I have harvested fennel on the small side and loved how crisp and mild it was. If it looks solid and healthy, it is likely ready to enjoy.

Once harvested, rinse off dirt and trim damaged outer layers if needed. Store the bulb in the refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer. Fresh fennel usually keeps for several days and sometimes a bit longer if wrapped loosely to prevent drying out.

The fronds do not last as long as the bulb, so use them first. You can chop them into salads, sprinkle them over fish, or stir them into soups just before serving. They bring a fresh, bright flavor that feels a little fancy without extra work.

If you let the plant produce seeds, wait until the seed heads dry on the plant. Then cut them and place them in a paper bag to finish drying if needed. Once fully dry, rub the seeds free and store them in a cool, dry place.

Grow Fennel - Cooking And Eating It

This mom knows how to cook up fennel along with some other veggies to create a delicious dish.

Now let us talk about how to eat fennel. Raw fennel is excellent sliced thin into salads, where it adds crunch and a clean, slightly sweet flavor. You can pair it with apples, citrus, greens, cheese, or nuts.

Cooked fennel is a different experience. Roasting brings out its sweetness and softens the licorice note. If someone in your family is unsure about fennel, roasted slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper are a great place to start.

You can also sauté fennel with onions, add it to soups, braise it until tender, or tuck it under a roast chicken. It works well in pasta dishes and vegetable mixes too. The bulb becomes mellow and rich once heat works on it.

The stalks are firmer and are often used to flavor broths or stocks. They can also be chopped finely and cooked in dishes where texture matters less. Think of them as useful kitchen extras rather than waste.

Fennel pairs especially well with fish, chicken, potatoes, beans in the kitchen, tomatoes in sauces, citrus fruit, olives, and creamy cheeses. It is one of those vegetables that can taste both fresh and warm depending on how you prepare it.

If you want a simple family-friendly idea, slice fennel and potatoes, toss them with oil and a little salt, and roast them together. The potatoes pick up the sweet herbal taste, and the fennel turns soft and golden. It is easy and very good.

Another easy use is slaw. Mix thin fennel slices with cabbage, carrot, and a light dressing. The fennel adds a crisp bite that makes the whole bowl taste brighter.

If you enjoy herbs, use the fronds the way you might use dill in some dishes. Scatter them over eggs, potato salad, or grilled vegetables. They are tender and pretty, which is always a bonus at the table.

Fennel seeds are worth using too. They have a stronger flavor than the bulb and are often added to breads, sausages, sauces, and spice blends. Even a small amount can add warmth and sweetness.

Grow fennel-it can be eaten raw or cooked and adds a sweet flavor to your dishes.

Grow Fennel - Wrapping It Up

If your first try is not perfect, do not give up. Fennel can be a little picky about timing and placement, but once you understand those needs, it becomes much easier. Mild weather, steady water, and enough space are the keys.

So if you have been curious, this is your sign to try it. Learn its habits, give it a sunny spot, and let it have a space of its own. You may discover that this uncommon garden vegetable becomes one of your favorites.

To sum it up, plant fennel from seed in loose, fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun, and in cool-to-mild weather when possible. Keep it watered, thin the seedlings, protect it from stress, and harvest the bulb while it is firm and tender. Then use every part you can.

Once you grow fennel in your backyard garden. and bring it into your kitchen, you will see why it deserves more attention. It is tasty, useful, and a little unusual in the best way. Give it a spot of its own, and fennel may reward you from seed to supper.

Monday, June 15, 2026

Some of the babies along with Alice, Lucy, and Ethel are looking for treats.

They promised us rain all day yesterday starting at 2pm, then 4pm, then 7pm but not one drop. At 11:20pm last night, there was one clap of thunder and the rain finally started.

It is now 9:03am and it is pouring but we have only received one half inch overnight. It must have stopped a lot in the night. We are under a flood watch through tomorrow night.

The dogs are very upset and clingy as they always are during rainstorms. David went to work and I am here at the house, trying to get things taken care of.

Matt is fertilizing trees in between the raindrops.

It is now 10:35am and we have just over one inch of rain! Amazing!

I took down three more shelves of books in my office. I made a better path. I have three shelves left to pull down, dust, sort, and fix. A lot have to go because it is just too crowded in here. I moved some of David's favorite books into the den so he can see them and, hopefully, read some of them. He never goes into my office.

By the end of the workday, it was done raining. We got one and one half inches of rain. Most that we know got two or more inches and some got four and five inches of rain in the area.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Good morning. No rain overnight. My Alexa says it will not rain again until tomorrow morning. David's Alexa says we will get rain at 8:45am. They never get their stories straight. We shall see. I had to go out and unlock the buildings. It is hot and humid already.

Matt is delivering eight dozen eggs to someone in Devine this morning at 8am so he will be a bit late.

It never rained and we did not get a flood. The weeds are looking great and growing back as if they had never been cut.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Here is some of my garden in pots out front by the parking lot. It is sitting where our Production building used to be. The weeds are already growing back.

Here it is another hot and humid day. No rain overnight, no flooding...just heat and humidity. Fun times!

The photo above shows our new garden in pots where our Production building used to be. There are potatoes, mint, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and other things. We have another with mostly potatoes on the other side of the ramp by the Farm Store as well as one in the backyard in my plant area. There I am growing Scorzonera and Salsify as well as my citrus and papaya trees.

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Today, we are having a dangerously hot day according to Alexa. It will be 100° but feel like 115°. Crap. I just hate the heat and it has already been miserably hot here. Yesterday, I nearly melted each time I had to cross the property. Today will be way worse.

Matt took this photo to be sure it was our Kitty trapped, even though I told them it was. She stayed this way for hours. Screws were stripped. Had to crowbar boards...

I came out and fed the fish and the cat but no cat. I called for her but nothing. I pulled orders. I went out and up the ramp to the other building and heard weird meowing, not like our cat. Then I heard the bell on her collar.

I dropped food and a little white paw came out to grab it. Silly girl was stuck under the ramp that was built over some stairs. We got some boards loose, but not the right ones.

The boards had to be crow barred out as some of the screws were stripped.

David finally called a friend and at 12:00pm, he got her out. Thank you, Johnny! She was still alive. I thought she would want fresh water but she went straight for her food. Poor baby. She is actually fine now that she is free.

Kitty ran to her food as soon as Johnny pulled her out from under the boards.

It got up to just 97° but the humidity was horrible.

Trump sitting in my seat in the den--I got up to do the dishes and this is what I found when I came back. Isn't he adorable? He is 2 now.

Matt harvested our Texas 1015Y onions this morning. I used one in the zucchini dish that I made tonight. The onions are delicious!

Time to harvest our 1015Y onions.

Friday, June 19, 2026

Some more of my potted garden where Production used to be.

Good morning. Today should be slightly cooler, around 90° today. Hopefully, no animals are stuck or trapped today.

Happy Juneteenth!

Happy Juneteenth! If you have a federal job or you work at a bank, enjoy your day off! I never heard this word until my mother-in-law mentioned years ago when we visited Leakey in June. I asked what it was and they all looked at me like I had three giant purple eyes on my face!

This is not something they taught us in school in New York. I believe it was just last year that it was a true federal holiday.
We were taught that all slaves were freed when the war was over but that is not true.

I looked it up and, apparently, it is the day, two and a half years later than the actual emancipation of slaves, that slaves were freed in Texas. Why Texas thought they could hold onto slaves for two and a half years after it was outlawed is beyond me...

Here is how it actually went down: The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued during the war, on Jan. 1, 1863. But not everyone knew right away--remember back then there were no phones, no TV, no internet, no way for news to travel quickly. Union soldiers finally arrived on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, and this is now remembered as the first Juneteenth.

My big toe is infected so I called the doctor's office twice, asking for an antibiotic or at least a call back. Four and a half weeks ago, I had an ingrown toenail that is still not healed. I explained that it was hurting enough to wake me up and that there was pus. They told me twice that they would have a prescription put in and that they would call me. I verified the pharmacy with them. They never did.

At 5pm, I called the pharmacy just to make sure. The pharmacist told me that they had received nothing for me. At 5:15pm, I called and left a message letting the doctor's office know that no one ever called me back or sent in a prescription. I am so glad they care about their patients in such a manner.

Saturday, June 20, 2026

It rained in the night and we got 1/4 of an inch. It sure sounded like a lot more than that in the night.

I put out a newsletter about the sales we have going on right now.

Well, sure enough, sales doubled today because of the newsletter so we are about 250 orders behind again!

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Happy Father's Day! Happy First Day of Summer! Either way, it is hot and humid with no rain today. The animals are good. David made biscuits and gravy for breakfast while I was out taking care of the chickens and goats. I woke up late this morning as I was having nightmares of people coming back from the dead to visit me...never a dull moment here, folks! Fun, fun times!

We went to church and our son, Matt, joined us there. We celebrated David last night with gifts and grilled ribeyes for dinner. We watched Svengoolie who showed an Abbott and Costello movie that I had never before seen, The Time Of Their Lives. It was different because the two of them were not partners in this film. It was about two people from the Revolutionary War, murdered and falsely accused of being traitors in 1780 in upstate New York. The ghosts were stuck on the property where they were killed until they could be proven innocent in 1946.

Well, I am sore now and I have three new booboos on my body and I am quite sure I will have some lovely new bruises. How did I get to this point? We had leftovers for lunch and I was loading the dishwasher. I was almost done with that so I decided to wash the eggs. One was cracked. I washed and rinsed the rest.

Then I grabbed the plastic dish that I placed the cracked egg in, moved to the right and found myself flipped up and then crashed down so that when it was all over, I was lying on the floor on my back with the dishwasher door over my legs.

I just lay there for a while trying to figure out why this happened. Everything hurt. I pushed the dishwasher door closed with my feet and then I started to get up. The egg smashed and I landed on it so it was all over the back of my shirt and the back of my head and most of my hair. I was bleeding just a tad on my left wrist and in two places on my right knee. My shoulders hurt.

By this time, David came out and I tried to explain how I got like this. I completely forgot that I left the dishwasher door open. I finished loading the dishwasher, turned it on, cleaned up the raw egg all over the floor and then went to take a shower. Believe me, I needed one. Never a dull moment...

Return from Grow Fennel to Grow From Seed

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