Florence Fennel Seeds

Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum Florence Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum Florence Fennel is a distinct, bulb-forming variety valued for its crisp, swollen base and aromatic, feathery foliage. Growing to about 24 to 36 inches tall with a spread of 18 to 24 inches, this variety is perfect for vegetable patches and kitchen gardens where both culinary utility and texture are desired. Unlike common herb fennel, Florence Fennel is grown primarily as a vegetable, developing a thick, white bulb at ground level that offers a sweet, anise-like flavor similar to celery but with a delicate licorice twist.

Culinary and Practical Uses 

• The crisp, white bulb is a versatile vegetable staple (often called finocchio in Italian cuisine), delicious when sliced thin in raw salads, braised, or roasted to bring out its natural sweetness.
• The feathery green fronds act as a flavorful herb, perfect for garnishing fish dishes, soups, and roasted vegetables.
• Traditionally used to aid digestion and freshen breath, the seeds can also be harvested for use in baking, sausages, and teas.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Finely divided, feathery bright green leaves that resemble dill, offering a fresh anise scent and soft texture in the garden
• Growth Habit: Upright and compact, forming a swollen, bulbous base of tightly overlapping leaf stalks; best grown as a cool-season annual.
• Flowers: Produces flat-topped umbels of tiny, bright yellow flowers if allowed to bolt, which attract beneficial insects but signal the end of the bulb's best quality.
• Seeds: Harvested after flower heads dry and turn brown; the aromatic, ridged seeds are highly prized as a spice for savory and sweet dishes.

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun; requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous growth and proper bulb development.
• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter; consistent soil moisture is key to producing tender, thick bulbs.
• Water: Requires consistent watering; drought stress can cause the plant to "bolt" (flower prematurely) and make the bulb tough and stringy.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or thinned seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart to allow room for the bulbs to expand without crowding.
• Maintenance: Mound soil around the base of the bulb as it swells to blanch it and keep it white and tender; harvest before the heat of summer triggers flowering.

Shipping Info

Florence Fennel seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.