Fennel Seeds - Bronze

This tall, non-bulbing type of fennel has beautiful bronze foliage that creates a great backdrop for any herb garden. The thread-like leaves and seed heads are favored for the spicy, sweet, licorice flavor. It is used fresh on fish, in salads, teas, and desserts. Fresh leaves also can be frozen in a plastic bag or dried and stored in an airtight container. Used as an expectorant and to ease indigestion. Chewing on the seeds freshens the breath. 

Growing Bronze Fennel Herb Seeds

Days to Maturity: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 6-9
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Plant Spacing: 12”-18”
Growth Habit: Upright
Soil Preference: Well-worked and well-drained
Temp Preference: Warm
Light Preference: Full sun
Color: Bronze/dark green (Best color in the spring) with yellow flowers
Flavor: Earthy and mild licorice

Sowing and Growing
Sow in place in spring as soon as the weather is consistently warm. Thin seedlings to stand 12 to 18 inches apart. If you’re planting indoors, you can sow as early as 6 weeks before the last frost hits, just be sure to use a deep peat pot that can support the long taproot. Fennel can survive some drought, but does better with moderate water, especially when it is planted in the well-drained soil it prefers. Sprouting occurs in approximately 2 weeks from the sow date.

Harvesting
Snip off leaves anytime for fresh use and for drying. Cut off flower heads when fully ripe. Separate and store in a glass jar in a cool, dark spot. The large, deep roots may be dug in spring or fall. This long lived perennial will also reseed itself and can become a nuisance if not controlled. Give it plenty of room and quickly remove unwanted seedlings.