Have you ever tried fennel?
The most common version of this veggie is Florence fennel, also called finocchio. In the supermarket this type of fennel is sold as fennel bulb; it’s the bulb in Florence fennel that’s used in cooking.
A relative of parsley, the Latin term for Florence fennel is Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum. Simple Foeniculum vulgare is the herb fennel that does not grow a bulb at its base. The fennel bulb is a thick, fleshy, white leaf base. The leaf base bulb or “bupound” is crunchy and has a nutty, anise flavor.
Fennel bulbs are a delicacy in the Mediterranean. They are eaten fresh, sauteed, grilled or used in a variety of ways.
In our zone, Florence fennel, a tender perennial in warmer climates, can be grown as a cool season annual. When direct sown in the garden, Florence fennel needs about a 90 day growing period. Sowing periods can take place in the early spring or in July for a fall harvest. Florence fennel will tolerate a light frost.
Seeds need to be sown in the garden about one-quarter inch deep and one-inch apart in rows two to three feet apart. Direct sown seeds should be thinned to 12 inches.
Seeds can be started indoors, but they should be sown in pots to prevent minimal root disturbance. The fennel started in pots should be planted outdoors before the plant begins to grow a taproot.
Plant Florence fennel in full sun and well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Florence fennel will tolerate dry soil, but should be watered during drought. If plants fall over, they should be staked.
When the plants are growing steadily, a few leafy stalks can be picked for flavoring food. The entire plant is ready to harvest when the base of the plant or bulb has reached about 3 inches in width. Cut off the plant at soil level and remove tall stalks.
The bulbs can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a week or in a cold moist place for two to three months.
The best types of Florence fennel seed is “Zeta Fino.” It takes about 65 days to reach maturity, and it is also slow to bolt in warmer weather.
Fennel doesn’t have any major garden pests. Fennel bulbs are also not easy to find in the supermarket, so why not try to grow this vegetable delicacy at home.
Fennel seed is available at Johnny’s Selected Seeds in Albion, Maine (www.johnnyseeds.com).
Questions or comments related to gardening? Contact Joleen at missourigardener@hotmail.com.