when to harvest Fennel

[Normans Mum]

Hi
This is my first attempt (and I must admit, I'm pretty chuffed!) at growing Fennel from seed. Managed to get 4 out of 5 plants big enough to plant out and they seem to be filling out nicely.
Are they a veg that you pick as and when? If so, when would be the best time?

[shona_b]

Hi - this was my first year too and I am really pleased. I must admit that a couple of mine started to go to seed so that's when I picked them. They were about 7 - 10cm wide at the base so that was good in my book! The last one left is huge - I'll leave it until either it starts to flower / seed or when I fancy a spanish fish stew

[Florence Fennel]

Some of mine (first attempt too) went to seed (there's one in the virtual show), but the others are doing fine. I keep earthing them up and they're fattening up nicely. Love the foliage too. Well done you two, group (((((((((((((((((((hug))))))))))))))))))))

[Normans Mum]

Glad to hear we're having some success with some of our veg !

[maytreefrannie]

We've got tall, ferny fennel - can someone tell me if I can pick and cook the bulbs of this or does it have to be specially planted for growing the roots? I'm sure someone on here will know, so if you reply - thanks.

[veggiechicken]

The are 2 sorts of fennel - one is biennial and makes bulbs at the base of the stems (Florence Fennel) and the other, Herb Fennel is a perennial that is used for its leaves and seeds in cooking. You can use Bulb fennel leaves in moderation but it weakens the plant.

[traceys plot]

my first try at fennel too very good picked 2 bulbs yesterday and roasted in olive oil and balsamic, lovely

[Vince G]

Did OK with mine seeing as I (apparently) planted seedlings out way too early (in mid-May). Had 5 nice bulbs but remaining 5 have now bolted. Going to sow some more seed in modules and see how they do in the poly iver the autumn/early winter.