Fennel	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates water requirement          High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description A 1 - 1.5 m tall perennial plant that is usually grown as an annual, Fennels have lacy, divided and thread-like leaves. It resembles Dill, but is usually taller. It is best used as a backrow plant. Flowers appear in 10-15 rayed umbels, are small and yellow in colour. Fruits are about 6-8mm long, ribbed and brown in colour. Both leaves and seeds have an anise flavour and are used with fish, meats and especially salads. The bulbous base of the Florence Fennel is also eaten as a vegetable.
Growing Fennels have a thickened bulb-like leaf base, except for ‘Sweet Fennel’ which does not. Full sun is best and although Fennels will grow in virtually anything, the best soil produces the best plants. Enriching with manure or compost is recommended. Fennels are hardy and do not need any special care. Do not overwater and harvest the leaves before the flowers open. Harvest seeds when they have turned greyish-green in colour. Fennels self sow easily, otherwise sow in spring or autumn. (5cm deep and 40cm apart) Thin to about 50cm between plants. Root cuttings can also be taken (about 10cm long)