FENNEL Preludio 4″ rndpt
$6.00
Very early, heavy 4” bulb with superb flavor —a major improvement in hybrid fennel.
This variety stood out in our trials with its lightly sweet flavor, uniformity, and ability to hold in the field without bolting. Upright plants are easy to harvest. Early variety recommended for spring and summer harvest with good fall performance as well. Bolt-resistant.
Edible Flowers: The florets are used to garnish savory dishes, and pair well with fish, potato, tomato, and beef dishes. Flavor is of sweet anise.
75 days
$6.00
$6.00
Fennel Growing Tips
Fennel has multiple uses both in the garden and in the kitchen. Fennel leaves, shoots and seeds can be used to add flavor to a wide variety of dishes. The bulbs of Florence fennel can be eaten raw or cooked and have a texture similar to celery. Fennel contains an aromatic compound called anethole, which is what gives it a taste and aroma similar to anise. In the garden, the fern-like foliage make it useful as an attractive ornamental in a mixed border as well.
Planting
- Fennel grows best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Prior to planting, prepare the soil by incorporating a good quality compost and a balanced fertilizer.
- Fennel should be planted 10 – 12” apart in rows that are 10 to 12” apart.
- We sell our fennel transplants in peat pots which can be planted directly into the garden so that the roots do not have to be disturbed. Make sure that the peat pot is thoroughly moistened prior to planting.
- The rim of the pot that sticks above the soil should be carefully removed or completely buried when planting. If left exposed, it can wick moisture out of the rest of the pot causing the soil around the seedling to dry out too quickly.
Watering
- Florence fennel requires consistent soil moisture to prevent bolting, which would ruin the bulb. Bronze fennel can tolerate drier conditions but don’t allow the plants to wilt.
- Drip irrigation is an effective and efficient way to irrigate vegetable crops because the water is delivered directly to the soil where it will be taken up by the roots. Drip irrigation also keeps water off of the foliage which will reduce the risk of disease development.
Maintenance
Keep the planting well weeded. Using mulch, such as cocoa mulch, straw, untreated dry grass clippings or shredded leaves will suppress weed growth and help retain soil moisture.
Harvesting
- Leaves of Bronze fennel can be harvested at any time during growth to use fresh in the kitchen. If growing for seed, the seeds may be eaten while green or allowed to mature and dry. To harvest the seed, cut the seed heads after they have turned brown and store them in a paper bag to allow them to dry further. The seeds should be stored in an airtight container.
- The bulbs of Florence fennel should be harvested when they reach 4 inches across and are firm. Cut the bulb at the base. New shoots may resprout from the root which can be harvested later.
