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Sweet fennel thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and needs little maintenance once established. Sow seeds indoors into trays or modular pots using peat-free organic seed compost, covering lightly and keeping moist until germination. Fennel dislikes root disturbance, so handle gently and plant out while young.
Seeds can also be direct sown into their final position or grown in deep pots. To encourage fresh leafy growth for autumn use, cut plants back in early summer before they fully run to seed.
Sow: March to May or August to September
Plant out: May to October
Harvesting time: February to November (leaves); seeds late summer
Check out our Grow & Cook section for more growing tips.
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Sweet fennel is prized for both its aromatic leaves and aniseed-flavoured seeds. Use the fresh fronds sparingly to lift salads, potatoes, and vegetable dishes, or pair with meaty white fish, pork, lamb, and chicken. The flavour is fragrant and warming, never overpowering.
Allow plants to flower and harvest the seeds for use as a spice. Fennel seeds are traditionally used to season fish, feature widely in Indian cooking, and are excellent lightly toasted to deepen their flavour. They’re also delicious in pickles and chutneys, or brewed as a soothing herbal tea long valued for aiding digestion.
We love turning the feathery fronds into a vibrant fennel pesto with anchovies, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon.
Check out our Grow & Cook section for more cooking ideas.
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Check our frequently asked questions page for answers to all those questions you might have.
If you have a specific question, feel free to reach out to us at hello@fattomato.ie