How do I use fennel in my garden?

When growing fennel, choose a sunny location in the back of a well drained bed. The fine textured foliage can grow up to 6 feet (2 m.) tall and makes an excellent backdrop for other flower planting. Fennel is a short lived perennial that blooms best in the second year.

What do I do with fennel from my garden?

Quote from video: If you have only a few plants. Or need just a little bit of fennel to spice up a dish or a salad. You can gently peel a layer away from the bulb. And cut it off at the very base of the leaf.

Is fennel good for the garden?

Fennel is considered a bad companion plant as it can have a negative impact on other herbs and vegetables. ‘Though fennel is beautiful, edible and attracts pollinators, it needs to be planted separately or with ornamentals as it can inhibit the growth of vegetables,’ says Clapp.

How long can you leave fennel in the garden?

Quick Reference Growing Guide

Can you leave fennel in the ground?

Your Florence fennel bulbs will be ready to harvest in about 14 weeks. Cut the bulb above the soil, but leave the root in the ground. This may re-sprout and produce a second harvest of smaller, tender shoots.

When should I dig up fennel?

Harvesting. Florence fennel can be harvested in late summer and autumn, when the swollen bulbs are 7–10cm (3–4in) across. Cut the bulbs off at ground level, leaving the roots, which should then send up small shoots that can be used in salads.

How do you know when fennel is ready?

Fennel is ready to harvest after approximately 90 days. Fennel leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant is well established. Only take a few leaves at a time to not cause harm to the plant. The bulb is ready for harvest once it reaches the size of a tennis ball.

How far away from other plants should you plant fennel?

It is best to plant fennel plants at a distance of 12 to 18 inches apart. For rows, keep them 2 to 3 feet apart. Fennel plants need ample space for development, pollination, and propagation.

Should you cut back fennel?

Fennel is a hardy perennial herb, which will die back to ground level in winter. When this happens, tidy up the plants by cutting back flower stems and removing dead and dying foliage.

What can you not plant with fennel?

Do not plant eggplants near fennel. Fennel – Not a companion for any garden food plant, fennel will actually inhibit growth in bush beans, kohlrabi, tomatoes, and others. Plant it, but keep it out of the veggie garden.

What part of the fennel do you eat?

Most recipes that call for fennel are referring to the bulb, the swollen bottom end of the plant. The fennel bulb is enjoyed raw, where its anise flavor is most pronounced, and cooked for a sweeter, mellower version of itself. But don’t pitch the rest! The entire fennel plant is not only edible but delicious.

Does fennel grow back?

Fennel can be started from seed, but it’s also one of those vegetables that regrow very well from the stub that’s left over after you finish cooking with it.

What is fennel good for?

5 Ways to Harvest Fennel from the Garden and in the Wild.

How do you prepare fresh fennel?

How do you prepare fennel?

1. Slice off the stalks and fronds.
2. Remove the root end.
3. Slice the bulb into quarters.
4. Remove the core from each quarter with your knife.
5. Peel apart the layers of each quarter, then slice into your desired size and shape.

What do you do with fennel?

To soften the flavor of the fennel bulb, try braising, sautéing, roasting, or grilling it. Fennel stalks can take the place of celery in soups and stews, and can be used as a “bed” for roasted chicken and meats. Use fennel fronds as a garnish, or chop them and use as you would other herbs, like dill or parsley.

How do you store fresh fennel?

How to Store Fennel

1. Refrigerate. Place whole fennel bulbs in an open Glad^® Zipper Bag in the refrigerator.
2. Cut. Store cut fennel by removing and discarding the stalks. Cut off the woody bottom of the bulb and peel away any wilted or browning layers.
3. Store. Seal in a GladWare^® food protection container and refrigerate.

What part of the fennel do you eat?

Most recipes that call for fennel are referring to the bulb, the swollen bottom end of the plant. The fennel bulb is enjoyed raw, where its anise flavor is most pronounced, and cooked for a sweeter, mellower version of itself. But don’t pitch the rest! The entire fennel plant is not only edible but delicious.

What can you do with the top of fennel?

You can mix chopped fennel fronds into pestos, salsas, stocks, curries, and vinaigrettes for an added hit of freshness. You can use them to top yogurt dips, eggs, stir-fries, toasts, and seared meats. And they’re delicious when tossed into green salads or strewn on top of roasted vegetables.

Is the whole fennel plant edible?

Technically speaking, all parts of the plant are edible, but most people will find the stalks too tough and fibrous to eat. The leaves can be chopped and used to flavor salads, dressings, marinades and sauces. They tend to have a slightly more citrusy flavor than the base. The base (or bulb) is delicious raw or cooked.