Florence sweet bulbous fennel: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How do you sow Florence fennel under cover?
Before sowing Florence fennel under cover, check the period recommended on your seed packet. Very early sowings may bolt after cold weather or a growth check. Starting in late spring for planting into already mild conditions is often easier than beginning in midwinter. Adapt the choice to your region and the particular selection.
Use individual modules or small, fairly deep pots with drainage holes, filled with fine, free-draining seed compost. Fennel dislikes root disturbance, so avoid crowded tray sowings that must later be moved bare-root. Moisten the compost and place one seed per module about 1 cm deep, according to the packet.
Cover, water gently and label. Put the containers in a greenhouse or near a bright window. Keep the compost moist without standing water. Ventilate in mild weather and avoid excessive heat beneath a closed lid.
After emergence, maintain steady growth and plenty of light. Prepare to plant when the root ball holds together, before roots spend a long time circling in a small container. Gradually harden plants off outdoors. Do not break up the root ball: transplant with intact roots rather than automatically waiting for plants to reach 10 cm in height.
How do you sow Florence fennel outdoors?
How do you plant Florence fennel?
How to care for this plant
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Thin seedlings
For Florence fennel, thin crowded seedlings after emergence to about 30 cm for full-sized bulbs or 10–15 cm for baby vegetables. Avoid disturbing the roots of plants you keep.
How do you harvest Florence fennel?
