Organic Florence Fennel Seeds - Foeniculum vulgare

salads, tossed in stir fry's, in soups and amazing roasted! Our fennel variety is great for containers. Offering a delicious anise taste and crisp texture, this heirloom will exceed all your expectations. We enjoy placing the stock in a glass of water for fabulous fennel essence in your water! Fennel is also a host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly! Female butterflies lay their eggs only on certain host plants that will nourish the young caterpillars after they hatch. Grow these plants, supply food for the caterpillars, and remember to allow the caterpillar to devour the host plants! Seed Profile Organic Heirloom Open-Pollinated Non-GMO Annual Exposure : Full / Partial Sun Indoors: 4 - 6 weeks before last frost Direct Sow : After last frost Seed Count : 50 Days to Maturity : 90 - 100 Plant Size : 2' - 3' Attracts pollinators : bees, butterflies & beneficial insects Edible : Leaves, seeds & bulb Gardener Tips Transplant after danger of frost has subsided. Can easily be divided in spring or fall. Do not disturb roots, can cause plants to bolt. Best to grow in moderate temperatures. Hot/cold extremes cause bulbs to get tough. If starting seeds indoors, it is key that your new starts be hardened off. This is a process that requires taking them outside during the day, for a period of time, before they are planted. This acclimates your seedlings to the outside world, meaning the elements like the wind and sun. We do it for several weeks to a month as this strengthens their stems and overall plant structure. Start for a short period of time initially, then graduate to more time each day One week minimum is recommended Bring them inside in the early evening and overnight Keep an eye on them and constantly water them. Make sure they have not blown over. Harvesting Tips Signs it’s ready to harvest Bulb is rounded and swollen at the base Bulb feels firm and solid Stalks are still fresh and green How to harvest Use a sharp knife to cut the bulb just below the soil line. Trim off the stalks and feathery fronds, leaving about 1–2 inches above the bulb. The fronds can be saved and used like dill for flavoring. For extended harvest Harvest bulbs before they become too large, as oversized bulbs may become tough or fibrous. Regular harvesting encourages the best flavor and texture.