How to Grow Florence Fennel in Australia
A cool-season fruiting crop for the home garden
Growing Florence Fennel rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$3-5/bulb. A real Mediterranean garden staple.
This guide covers when to plant Florence Fennel in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Florence Fennel is a cool-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in February, March, April and May. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Finale
Bolt-resistant modern variety. Round, white bulbs. Good for Australian conditions.
Try: Mr Fothergill's, Eden Seeds
Di Firenze
Italian heirloom. Large flat bulbs with excellent anise flavour. Classic fennel.
Try: Eden Seeds, Diggers
Position and Soil
Give Florence Fennel full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 30cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 25 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 10 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 22 degrees.
Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum. Distinct from herb fennel. Grown for the swollen, anise-flavoured bulb. Bolts easily in heat or if transplanted roughly. Direct sow in autumn, keep evenly moist, and hill up the bulb as it swells. Mediterranean staple, brilliant for Perth and Adelaide gardens.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids and Slugs. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Florence Fennel is typically ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months). Fridge in a bag for up to 1 week. Fronds use fresh.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, florence fennel is good sliced raw into salads with orange, roasted with olive oil until caramelised, braised with white wine and shaved into pasta dishes. Nutritionally: rich in vitamin C and potassium and contains anethole with anti-inflammatory properties.
Companion Planting
Florence Fennel grows well alongside Lettuce and Peas. Keep it away from Tomato, Beans and Dill. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Florence Fennel Growing
Add florence fennel to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Florence Fennel in Australia?
Florence Fennel is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in February, March, April and May. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Florence Fennel take to grow?
Florence Fennel is generally ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months).
Can I grow Florence Fennel in a pot?
Yes. Florence Fennel grows well in a container of 30cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Florence Fennel need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Florence Fennel in the Plant Library
