Topic: Woody Fennel

[jonny211]

Howdo,

I've had mixed results with my fennel, some of it shot straight out of the ground into a tall stalk like thing and some of it bulbed up quite nicely. Trouble is that the bulbs, although they look fine and were blanched using earth and mulch have gone quite woody and with little flavour.

I planted them out in May and watered well since then, and the mulch must've helped but what's given them the texture of a stick and what can I do next time?

Cheers.

Jon

[calendula]

blame it on the funny summer - you are doing every thing right but they aren't the easiest veg to grow - also like water but well drained soil as well, keep trying and maybe try other varieties

[plot51A]

Perhaps try using them a little earlier and smaller. Fennel doesn't really like high summer - so I usually do an early planting and a late one - planted out some last week they are taking off well. Like you I planted some out in May but they were eaten a while ago now - except about 3 that I never got round to and have now gone to seed  ;D