Foeniculum Vulgare - Fennel

Characteristics: Common fennel looks much like a tall version of dill, only the stems are solid and the aroma resembles licorice. In summer, the plant sends up 4-foot-high clusters of yellow, umbrella-shaped flowers. The seed matures in late summer.

Growing Information: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil of average fertility. Space 12 inches apart.

Propagation: Direct-sow seed in spring. May self-sow.

Cultivars: Florence fennel, grown as a cool-season annual, has unusual succulent, licorice-flavored stem bases that are good in salads, stir-fries, and sautees. The plant reaches only 18 inches high. Provide rich soil and full sun. Sow the seed outdoors in spring for summer harvest or summer for fall harvest. For extra-tender stem bases, mound soil up around the base to blanch them.

Bronze fennel has handsome dark foliage that provides contrasting color in the garden and as a garnish on a dinner plate.

Possible Problems: Knock aphids off with a strong spray from the garden hose or treat them with insecticidal soap. Black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars are attracted to fennel and to dill, parsley, chervil, and many other herbs in the Umbelliferae Family. Let them have their share so you can enjoy the beauty of the butterflies, or transfer them gently to a wild Queen Anne's lace plant.

Harvesting and Using: Harvest seeds of common fennel before they turn totally brown and self-sow. Dry the seeds as you would dill and use them in baked goods, soups, and sausages. Use the leaves to season fish, carrots, and other vegetables.