Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Preparation
Many gardeners complain that fennel bolts if put under the slightest stress. This
is less of a problem in the polytunnel, but the choice of variety is key. Some vari-
eties are daylight-sensitive and are sown in July for a late-autumn harvest,
whereas others are spring-sown for summer. In all cases the chance of premature
bolting can be reduced by adding at least 5cm of well-rotted organic material to
the soil before planting, which helps to ensure the plant is never short of water.
Fennel can be grown on clay soils if sharp sand is added, but prefers something
better-drained to do well. Mediterranean in origin, it prefers as much sun as it
can get.
Sowing
Fennel germinates best at temperatures around 20°C and can be sown direct or
in modules at a depth of 1cm. Module sowings are best made in biodegradable
pots, since fennel hates having its roots disturbed. Germination can be patchy,
so sow more than you need and thin later by cutting, rather than pulling, the
stems of the unwanted plants.
Growing
Fennel is a tall plant so be careful about shade when siting it. If planting several,
place them about 25cm apart, or at half this for baby bulbs. Keep the plants well
watered and weed-free.
Harvesting and storage
Fennel is ready roughly four months from sowing, but can be taken whenever the
bulb is deemed large enough. The bulbs, which some people earth up somewhat
to blanch, are ready to harvest from when they are the size of a tennis ball. Some
varieties tend to get woody if left to grow larger, particularly if they don't get
enough water, but some will stay tender and delicious at 15cm wide or more (see
picture in the second colour section).
Fennel bulbs are best used fresh but can be kept for several weeks in a cool, dry
place. Young bulbs can also be cut into chunks and blanched for 30 seconds in
boiling water before being frozen.
Problems
Aphids
and
slugs
. Young plants are best protected from slugs with a bottle
cloche or copper ring.
