Celeraic and Fennel

[ksia]

Some of my celeraic plants are going into flower. I assume I need to cut them off but will it affect the plant? And can I prevent it on those that haven't yet? Bearing in mind I can't alter the temperature...I suppose I could water more if it'd help.

Fennel - I've had a poor showing this season.
I sowed 05.06 and 11.06 and 21.06 and I've only some showing from the 2nd showing.
Do I give up on the others and get something else in the space?

Thanks
Karen

[ksia]

[Mrs Ava]

I think if your celeriac is flowering, the root will be no good as it won't swell any more and I imagine it will become quite woody.  You could use the leaves and stems in soups and stocks of course.  PLenty of water I guess is the way to go.

Fennel, wish I could help.  I don't even know if I like it, so keep trying, but every time I sow it, it either bolts, rots off, or just doesn't germinate!  :'(

[Toadspawn]

Fennel
I have sown mine in modules for a number of years and then transplanted into final position. At least I know there is a plant then but the guide says they don't like being transplanted. It does work. They need lots of water to bulk up and stop them running to seed. I water mine every day.

Celeriac
Trying this year for the first time and water every day . As previously mentioned I guess lack of water is the reason they bolted.

[Hyacinth]

I always sow fennel as per Toad & have no problems either. Currently got 6 healthy plants bulbing up nicely.Fennel's quite quick to bolt. Stephan recommended Rudy to me as less prone to bolting. I earth them up and give them lashings of water.

[supersprout]

I suppose I could water more if it'd help.

I've mulched the celeriac (after watering) this year (like everything else!), worth a try for those that haven't bolted?

[Roy Bham UK]

I’ve not tried celeriac yet, but can report that my Fennel is romping away, ;D I had a poor yield last year (3 plants) :(  I’m afraid I can’t remember what the soil condition was like, this year they were planted on previously well manured soil from last year.

Alishka, nothing in my instructions saying to earth up, is that for just blanching?

[Hyacinth]

Alishka, nothing in my instructions saying to earth up, is that for just blanching?

I don't know! :-[  Stephan told me to do so - so I did, and I do ;D

[sally_cinnamon]

I've read that earthing up helps to keep the bulb white - is that what you mean by blanching?   :)

[jonny211]

That's what I've read as well, first time growing fennel but they seem to be doing quite well. Also I've mulched mine up to the level of the stems with straw to keep the sun off the bulb and stop the soil drying out.

When's fennel ready to pick by the way?? Do the leaves die off or do we pick when we're happy the bulb is the right size?

Jon

[Roy Bham UK]

That's what I've read as well, first time growing fennel but they seem to be doing quite well. Also I've mulched mine up to the level of the stems with straw to keep the sun off the bulb and stop the soil drying out.

When's fennel ready to pick by the way?? Do the leaves die off or do we pick when we're happy the bulb is the right size?

Jon

Fennel Victoria F1 sow April to July harvest July to October, I'll pick when the bulb looks the right size but then as the season draws to a close there may well be many that remain small but I'll still eat em. ;D

I've read that earthing up helps to keep the bulb white - is that what you mean by blanching?   :)

Yes ;D ;D

[plot51A]

I've had more success with direct sown fennel when I've sown late - about now. But this year am doing modules, with it being so dry. Raised some in modules in the spring this year and have already eaten several.
Celeriac all looks happy enough - but my perpetual spinach and chard have all bolted.

[Hyacinth]

Sally - yes, blanching = earthing up.

I'm going to be doing a 2nd sowing in modules this w/end so hope I can extend the season. I find that my fennel always divides up into 2 - the 'female' fat and bulbous, and the 'male' longer and leaner (that was how I was taught when I bought them in Italy) so if one looks like a 'male' I don't wait til it's fleshed out cos it's not going to do that - just dig it up and eat it when the size looks right.  First time I ever ate fennel it was thinly sliced on a plate, dressing of good olive oil, salt, and a pinch of sugar. My first fennel I always eat this way. Memories, memories!

[Roy Bham UK]

 ;) Thanks for that Alishka :) I didn't know about the thin being males etc: although looking at them they all look like males at the mo :(