Florence fennel, also known as Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce or sweet fennel, is a variety of fennel distinguished by its large, bulbous base. It is often referred to as finocchio in Italian or sometimes as bulb fennel, as its edible bulb is the key feature. In Australia, it’s commonly grown both in home gardens and commercially, appreciated for its mild, aniseed-like flavour. The plant is related to the more common herb fennel but is specifically cultivated for its bulb, foliage, and seeds.

Florence fennel originated in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Italy and France, and has since spread to other parts of the world due to its culinary and medicinal uses. It thrives in areas with a Mediterranean climate, which is why it is well-suited to parts of Australia that experience warm summers and mild winters.

To grow Florence fennel from seed in Australia, start by selecting a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained, fertile soil. Fennel prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6 to 7, and should be planted where it will receive full sunlight for most of the day. You can sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost in spring, when the soil temperature has reached around 18 to 21°C, or start them indoors six to eight weeks earlier for an earlier harvest.

To sow, lightly rake the soil to prepare a fine seedbed, then scatter the fennel seeds evenly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 1 cm deep. Space the seeds 30 cm apart to allow for proper growth of the bulb. Once the seeds germinate, thin the seedlings to about 20 cm apart. This gives them room to develop their characteristic bulb.

Water the plants regularly, but avoid over-watering, as fennel does not like soggy soil. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist to encourage healthy bulb formation, especially in hot weather. During the growing season, you can fertilise fennel with a balanced liquid fertiliser or compost, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of the bulb.

Florence fennel is usually ready for harvest in about 3 to 4 months after sowing, once the bulb has reached a decent size and before it starts to flower. If the plant begins to bolt (flower), the bulb may become tougher and less flavoursome. To harvest, gently pull the plant from the ground, taking care not to damage the bulb.

Growing Florence fennel is relatively straightforward in Australia, especially if the climate suits it. The key to success lies in choosing the right location, providing consistent moisture, and harvesting at the right time to enjoy its mild, sweet taste.

Picture by Challiyan, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons