How to grow Florence Fennel in Australia
Grow Florence fennel in full sun in rich, moist, free-draining soil, and give it steady, even water as any check makes it bolt without forming a bulb. Feed lightly through growth.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 25 cm
- Time to harvest: 90 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | February to May | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | February to May | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | February to June | Longer cool season reduces bolting risk. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | February to June | Cool conditions reduce bolting. Autumn sow for winter harvest. |
| Adelaide & SA | February to June | Mediterranean staple. Adelaide ideal. Autumn sow for best results. |
| Perth & WA | March to June | Mediterranean classic. Autumn sow for winter harvest. |
| Tasmania | November to January | Sow Nov to Jan for autumn bulbs. Spring sowings bolt after cold nights. |
| Canberra & ACT | December to February | Sow Dec to Feb so bulbs form in cool autumn, which reduces bolting. Spring sowings bolt in summer heat. |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Bolts immediately in tropical heat. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Bolts immediately in tropical heat. |
Varieties
- Finale
- Di Firenze
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Harvest when the white bulb is plump, firm and about the size of a tennis ball. Cut just below the bulb at soil level; a fresh shoot may resprout from the base.
Storage
Fridge in a bag for up to 1 week. Fronds use fresh.