Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Perennial
A large, architectural perennial herb, growing up to 1.5m or more each year. Fennel has delicate ferny foliage and large clusters of flowers which attract pollinators in later summer. The leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible with a soft aniseed flavour.
Sow Directly into the ground or into pots in spring and autumn. Fennel likes well-drained soil in full sun.
Grow The plants need plenty of space… as well as providing height, they will spread to 1m, so thin as needed. Plant in a sunny position in free-draining soil. If happy, fennel will self-seed, giving you more to plant or share with friends.
Uses The chopped fresh leaves go well in potato or egg dishes. The flowers can be pulled from the heads and sprinkled over salads and the seeds, green or brown, are delicious paired with raisins in biscuits and breads.
The foliage and flowers can also be used in cut flower arrangements – give the leafy stems a good drink before adding them to bouquets, they are prone to wilting especially if cut early in the year.
A good choice for a culinary herb, cutting or pollinator garden.