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Selma Fennel - Foeniculum dulce

Foeniculum officinalis Selma
Sweet fennel, Florence fennel

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More information

An early variety that is resistant to running to seed. It produces large, white bulbs with a rich aniseed flavour. Sow from February to June to harvest from June to October.
Ease of cultivation
Beginner
Height at maturity
20 cm
Spread at maturity
15 cm
Soil moisture
Moist soil
Germination time (days)
10 days
Sowing method
Direct sowing, Sowing under cover
Sowing period February to June
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Flowering time July to September
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F
M
A
M
J
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Harvest time June to October
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Description

The 'Selma' fennel is an early variety that is resistant to bolting. It produces large, fleshy white 'bulbs' that have a rich aniseed flavour. Fennel can be consumed cooked in water, braised, or raw. We particularly enjoy it raw in refreshing Italian recipes, cut into strips and mixed with pieces of orange and raw ham. Sow from February to June to harvest from June to October.

 

Fennel is easy to grow, but needs some warmth to grow. It does not tolerate drought well, which causes it to quickly go to seed. The art of the gardener is then to combine the right variety and sowing period.

The "bulb" is not really a bulb, but a fleshy part formed by the imbrication of the petioles. The swollen base has a beautiful pearly white hue and a slightly aniseed flavour. It can be consumed both raw and cooked. Its stems are used to flavour fish dishes. If some plants go to seed, use the seeds to make a very good condiment that aids digestion.

Harvest: fennel is harvested approximately three months after sowing and is done as needed.

Storage: it is a rather cold-sensitive plant that cannot withstand frost. It cannot stay in the ground during winter and must be stored in a cellar. Freshly harvested fennel can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator. It can be stored for several months in a freezer, after being blanched beforehand.

Gardener's tip: mulch the soil from May with successive thin layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection keeps the soil moist and reduces weeding.

Harvest

Harvest time June to October
Type of vegetable Leaf vegetable
Vegetable colour white
Size of vegetable Large
Interest Flavour, Nutritional value
Flavour Sweet
Use Table, Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 cm
Spread at maturity 15 cm
Growth rate normal

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour light green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Botanical data

Genus

Foeniculum

Species

officinalis

Cultivar

Selma

Family

Apiaceae

Other common names

Sweet fennel, Florence fennel

Origin

Western Europe

Annual / Perennial

Annual

Product reference36581

Planting and care

Sowing

Germination occurs at a minimum temperature of 12°C (53.6°F). It generally takes between 8 and 10 days. The sowing period extends from March to June for a harvest from June to October.

Sowing can be done as early as March under cover, in trays filled with good seed compost. Alternatively, sow directly in well-warmed soil in May-June. Sow at a depth of 1cm, 5cm (2in) apart in rows spaced 40cm (16in) apart. Thin out the seedlings one month after germination, keeping only one plant every 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in).

If sowing has taken place in a nursery, cut the foliage before being transplanted to the garden, respecting the same planting distances as for sowing (15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) between plants in rows spaced 40cm (16in) apart).
 

Cultivation

Fennel thrives in sunny, humus-rich soil. If compost is needed, it should be applied in autumn, in the form of well-rotted compost (about 3kg per m²). Loosen the soil and rake in the compost to a depth of 5cm (2in).

Fennel can be earthed up to a height of 15cm (6in). This will lead to whiter bulbs.

Fennel is a good companion for celery, turnip, and leek.

Let some plants flower, as like all umbellifers, they are very beautiful and particularly appreciated by beneficial insects.

 

6
€19.50
16
€14.50 Each

Seedlings

Sowing period February to June
Sowing method Direct sowing, Sowing under cover
Germination time (days) 10 days

Care

Soil moisture Wet
Disease resistance Very good
Pruning No pruning necessary

Intended location

Type of use Vegetable garden
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Soil Light.
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 130

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