Fennel

Fennel

August 29, 2024

Introduction

You’re here because you want to grow your own fennel. Well, fennel practically grows itself. You get two for the price of one with fennel, because both the bulb and the fronds are edible. And you’ll be attracting pollinators which supports biodiversity. We all benefit from bees and butterflies in our lives.

The What

Fennel is a versatile herb with a sweet, anise-like flavor, often used in culinary dishes and herbal remedies. It has feathery leaves, yellow flowers, and bulbous stems that can be eaten raw or cooked. Fennel is packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. It's easy to grow, even in small urban spaces, making it perfect for New Yorkers looking to add fresh, homegrown herbs to their kitchen. The entire plant is edible, from the seeds to the leaves, providing a continuous harvest throughout its growing season​

The Why

Urban gardening in NYC can flourish with the inclusion of potatoes, which are perfectly suited for container gardening on balconies, rooftops, and terraces. Growing your own potatoes provides a reliable and nutritious food source that can be stored for months, ensuring fresh produce is always on hand. This practice also reduces the environmental impact by cutting down on the need for store-bought potatoes, which often come with excess packaging and transport emissions. Pairing potatoes with quick-growing greens like arugula, spinach, and radishes not only maximizes space but also adds variety to your homegrown harvest. Dive into urban gardening and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food, all while contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle​

Sunlight Requirements

Fennel needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Not suitable for indoor growing; best grown outdoors in pots or garden beds.

Water Requirements

Keep soil consistently moist. Water regularly, especially in full sun conditions. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature Tolerance

Fennel is a cool weather crop and loves 50-75°F, ideally 60-70°F. Plant outdoors in March-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Cool weather enhances bulb formation.

Container Size

Indoors: Not ideal; Outdoors: 12-14" wide, 12-14" deep, 5 gallons

Best Soil Mix

Fennel prefers rich, well-draining potting soil with organic compost and/or cow manure.

How to Add Fertilizer

Apply balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 every 3-4 weeks. Organic options: compost, fish emulsion, bone meal. Regular feeding ensures robust growth and flavorful bulbs.

Growth Duration

Fennel is ready for harvest 80-100 days after planting, or when the bulbs are 3-4 inches in diameter. A complete life cycle usually lasts 3 to 4 months or when the first frost arrives, mid-November in NYC.

How To Trim

Harvest outer stems and leaves regularly. Frequent harvesting promotes continuous growth, ensuring a supply of aromatic, anise-flavored stalks.

Growing Challenges

Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage. Bolting: Plant in cooler weather. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or release green lacewing larvae. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Diseases (Powdery Mildew): Improve air circulation.

Interesting Facts

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Blog
Fennel

Fennel

You’re here because you want to grow your own fennel. Well, fennel practically grows itself. You get two for the price of one with fennel, because both the bulb and the fronds are edible. And you’ll be attracting pollinators which supports biodiversity. We all benefit from bees and butterflies in our lives.

Fennel

Here are the essential Fennel basics you need.

Sunlight Requirements

Fennel needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Not suitable for indoor growing; best grown outdoors in pots or garden beds.

Water Requirements

Keep soil consistently moist. Water regularly, especially in full sun conditions. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature Tolerance

Fennel is a cool weather crop and loves 50-75°F, ideally 60-70°F. Plant outdoors in March-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Cool weather enhances bulb formation.

Container Size

Indoors: Not ideal; Outdoors: 12-14" wide, 12-14" deep, 5 gallons

Best Soil Mix

Fennel prefers rich, well-draining potting soil with organic compost and/or cow manure.

Fertilizing

Apply balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 every 3-4 weeks. Organic options: compost, fish emulsion, bone meal. Regular feeding ensures robust growth and flavorful bulbs.

Growth Duration

Fennel is ready for harvest 80-100 days after planting, or when the bulbs are 3-4 inches in diameter. A complete life cycle usually lasts 3 to 4 months or when the first frost arrives, mid-November in NYC.

How To Trim

Harvest outer stems and leaves regularly. Frequent harvesting promotes continuous growth, ensuring a supply of aromatic, anise-flavored stalks.

Growing Challenges

Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage. Bolting: Plant in cooler weather. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or release green lacewing larvae. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Diseases (Powdery Mildew): Improve air circulation.

The Many Varieties of Fennel

There are around 10-15 varieties of arugula gardeners commonly grow. One of the perks of growing arugula at home is the opportunity to experiment with different varieties that you won't find at the grocery store.

You can get a variety pack with 8 types of basil here.

Do you have any questions or requests? I'm here to help!

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