Fennel (Bulb)
Bulb fennel, also known as Florence fennel, is grown for its crisp, swollen leaf bases which form a bulb above ground. It has a mild aniseed flavour and is best grown in cool conditions.
Unlike herb fennel (grown for foliage), bulb fennel is grown specifically for its base and requires careful timing to prevent bolting.
How to grow Bulb Fennel
- Soil and Site – Fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid poor, dry soil which can trigger bolting.
- Sowing – Best sown from late April to late June. Early sowings may bolt in cold conditions, although it may be possible to get a crop started in mid February to early March for harvest in June before the plant goes to seed. Later sowings often produce the best bulbs in Irish gardens. Sow seeds in modules 1cm deep and place them somewhere war to germinate at around 20ºC. Once germination takes place they should be ready to plant out about 5 weeks later being careful not to disturb the roots.
- Depth & Spacing – Sow 1cm deep. Thin to 20–25cm apart with rows 30cm apart.
- Direct Sowing – Fennel dislikes root disturbance, so direct sowing may be preferable to transplanting. If direct sowing though, it may be better to wait until mid May onwards.
Cultivation & Care
- Watering – Maintain steady moisture to prevent splitting or bolting.
- Earthing Up – Lightly earth up around the base as bulbs swell to blanch slightly.
- Bolting – Avoid early sowing in cold weather which can trigger premature flowering.
Harvest and Storage
Harvest when bulbs reach tennis-ball size and feel firm. Cut at soil level.
Best eaten fresh but will store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Culinary Use
Bulb fennel can be sliced raw into salads, braised, roasted or added to fish dishes. Its flavour softens and sweetens when cooked.
Recipe – Braised Fennel with Parmesan
Ingredients
2 fennel bulbs, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
50g grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper
- Sauté fennel until lightly softened.
- Transfer to ovenproof dish, sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes until tender.
Nutritional Information
Per 100g serving:
- Calories – 31 kcal
- Protein – 1.2g
- Carbohydrate – 7g
- Fat – 0.2g
- Fibre – 3g
Fennel is a source of fibre and vitamin C.