Fennel Bronze is a so-called leaf fennel, so it does not form tubers. It is kept for its decorative, deliciously tasting leaves. It originates from the Mediterranean region. Bronze fennel is very decorative in the garden. This hardy perennial is very decorative in the garden, vegetable garden or herb garden. Also beautiful in a bouquet or dry bouquet. It attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects and this plant is especially attractive to the swallowtail butterfly.
The leaves have a light bronze colour and a deliciously sweet aniseed smell. The fresh leaves and dried seeds are also used to make herbal teas. The seeds can also be used in all kinds of herbal tea blends. Use the leaves with beef, pork, fish, in salads, sauces, dressings, herb butter and many other dishes. The seeds are used in cakes, biscuits, for pickling cucumbers and gherkins and in herb vinegar. Place this plant in a very sunny and sheltered spot with good drainage. Hardy perennial. Height: 100 - 200 cm.
Indoor sowing: March - April
Outdoor sowing: May - June or September - October
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temperature: 15 - 20 °C
Sowing depth: ½ cm
Planting distance: 45 - 75 cm
Plant position: sunny - half shade
Harvest period leaves: May - November
Harvest period seeds: August - September
Flowering period: June - September
Sow seeds indoors or in a greenhouse from March on. Sow in small pots or seed trays 1 seed per pot or module. This is because fennel seedlings don't tolerate disturbance of the roots. Sow in well moistened sowing soil. Keep well moist and ensure an even temperature. Don't let the temperature drop during the night. From mid-May, as soon as there's no more chance of night frost, the young plants can be placed outside in a sunny spot with good drainage. Remove the seedlings entirely from the pots or modules and disturb the roots as little as possible. Keep the plants 45 - 75 cm apart.
From mid-May, as soon as there's no more chance of night frost, fennel can also be sown outside. Provide a sunny spot with good drainage and shelter. The plants grow very tall and can easily be blown over in strong winds. Fennel has few requirements regarding the type of soil in which it is planted. Fennel can withstand drought, but if it stays dry for a long time, it does need to be watered. The plants grown in springtime will flower in the same year. It's also possible to sow outside from September. These plants flower in the following year.
Fresh leaves can be harvested from May till November. The seeds can be harvested after flowering. Cut off the flower heads containing the seeds. Let them dry for a while in a well-ventilated room. As soon as the seeds are dry, they can be stored in a tightly closed and airtight box. Protect especially the young plants against snails and aphids.
