fennel

[janny]

Does anyone know if it is too late to sow fennel and get reasonable size bulbs?

[janny]

[glow777]

according to my packet its too early to sow outdoors yet. so your OK

"Sow in drills 45cm (1ó') apart from late May to July directly into soil, harvest mid August-October. Thin out to 20cm (8") apart and earth up to blanch the 'bulbs'. Row 9m (30'). Keep well watered. "
http://www.dobies.co.uk/pd_435081_Fennel_Zefa_Fino.htm

[antipodes]

I just sowed a row this week! But it is warmer here than in the UK, so that might be OK.
I have never grown fennel before, in fact it is more a space filler for me than anything :D But it is ever so pretty as it grows with the big ferny tops and it smells wonderful.
I put it near the root veg, running out of space everywhere else!

[janny]

Many thanks, such quick replies!!! I will buy seeds and put a row in this weekend.
Would love to be sowing in western France, we go to the Charente every year. I am going to try Charentais melon on my west London allotment this year, but it probably needs more sunshine than it will get!

[janny]

Sorry, I wasnt listening properly was I. I will put a row in AT THE END OF MAY...

[asbean]

I sowed some on April 12th and they are coming through OK.  Don't know why I did it that early, probably confused by the warm weather.  I normally start sowing them towards the end of May.

[Columbus]

Hi all,

I had some left in the row at the end of last year which went woody so
I cut them down to the ground, but left the roots in. They have now put
on new growth and the bulbs are fattening up.

I haven`t replanted yet for this year.

Col

[janny]

 Another real newbie question...
Should I be going for Florence fennel for eating? What is the difference, apart from colour, of Florence and Bronze?

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

florence fennel is the one for eating. Good Luck! it's a contrary critter

[manicscousers]

ours has seeded itself and is coming up in the brassica bed, I'll transplant them when they're bigger, see how they go  ;D

[janny]

Thanks again, glad I asked, I will get Florence fennel seed . :)

[ruffmeister]

yup ours went in this week too

[RobinOfTheHood]

Lost my seeds but found 'em again yesterday.. ::)

Would they be ok to start in modules? Or do I need to put them straight out?

[asbean]

I believe they don't like to be moved, but why not try half in the ground and a few in moduyles and see what happens  :)

[sand]

A couple of years ago we holidayed in Sardina, there was fennel growing wild along all the roadsides.

One day the hedgecutter came along to trim the footpaths back, the smell was absolutely wonderful, albeit a bit overpowering.

Oh for a pastice in the sun.

Sand

[thomasb]

Rather than sow direct into the soil, you might get better results if you sow in modules or peat pots and plant out later. I will not be sowing mine in modules until around June 1st and will plant out in early July.

Thomas

[janny]

Just to say thankyou for everyones Fennel replies. In the end I rashly sowed a small row 10 days ago. A week of rain has germinated them well, they are now about an inch-and-a-half high. I think I will put another row in in a couple of weeks. Weekend dinner was fennel-based, roast loin of pork coated in ground fennel seeds, served with (shop-bought) fennel bulbs sliced and braised, with roast potatoes and soft lettuces in a garlic dressing. Going to see if there are any fennel recipes on the forum now....

[MrAverage]

HI to Janny
My very first post in ANY forum.
No it's not too late to sow fennel. I sow one seed per (3") pot and mine take about 3 weeks to germinate and become big enough to plant out. No special treatment just keep moist at ALL stages until big enough (best at tennis ball size) to use.

[manicscousers]

hiya, mr average, nice to meet you, hope you enjoy the forum  :)