Florence Fennel bolting

[Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!)]

I did a few successional sowing of FF and all was well before going on hols mid july.  When i returned most of it had bolted though - disappointing.  I am assuming it was the sudden wet spell in July that caused the bolting - anyone got a view or exerience on that?  I have read elsewhere that FF is EASy to grow so I feel like I am missing something now!  All feedback welcome.

Psi

[Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!)]

[SteveJ]

Hi Psi,

Mine is bolting too.  I read somewhere that it is due to being sown too searly in the season, next year I will try to be more patient and follow the instructions on the packet.

Can it still be harvested anyone?

[saddad]

Yes you can stille eat it... best as soon as you realise as it gets a bit coarse.  :)

[Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!)]

yes mine is a bit 'stalky' now but ok in casseroles and feathery tops in salads.

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

Florence fennel isn't that easy to grow, but it's not impossible - like celeriac  :D

[shirlton]

Better to sow it later and it will be better. We grew it last year and it was ok. Left the daughter to grow this years and her first lot bolted but the second sowing was ok

[Obelixx]

I grow mine from plugs from teh market ecery year and it does well.  However the first batch bolted before we had a chance to harvest it and we've just got back from hols to find the last lot is bolting too.  It's been hotter and drier here than the UK so maybe that's the problem.  Al teh salads except teh red radicchio have bolted too in the last 2 weeks whereas I expect late sown rocket to last to mid winter and sometimes beyond.

[Chrispy]

They mentioned this on the telly, I think gardeners world.
They said if the days are getting longer, it trys to set seed, but if the days are getting shorter, then winter is comming so instead of setting seeds it bulks up to set seeds next year, so if you plant after the longest day it should not bolt.
I did this, and it is looking great.

[1066]

Conthehill - thats fascinating. I've had better results from my 2nd/later sowings of fennel this year (last year was pants!), so another vote for late sowings  ;D
1066

[thifasmom]

late sowings as in the last week of July works for me as well.

[plot51A]

Another late sower here. Somewhere in my seed collection have got a variety that (allegedly) you can plant early and is less prone to bolting, but haven't got round to trying it yet. Maybe next season.

[adrianhumph]

Hi all,
         This subject comes up year after year ::)  You need to grow a variety resistant to bolting, I use RUDY, available from Kings, It can be sown quite early, from May, & also sown late, mid July, I have found this very reliable, almost guaranteed not to bolt. My May sowings have all been eaten & my July ones are coming on well, will need another 2/3 weeks to get to a good size. I use mine when they are quite small, ie between golf ball & cricket ball, preferably the smaller of the 2.
                                                    Adrian.

[Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!)]

cheers all.  I've sown maybe 5 successions - 3 bolted - the latest - late july hasnt bolted so fingers crossed.  Will look at Rudy next year. Ta

[Unwashed]

Florence fennel isn't that easy to grow, but it's not impossible - like celeriac  :D

Yup, and I'm rubbish at both.  My fennel bolted too.