Florence Fennel

[Anita Plot]

I have never grown this before. When do I know it is ready to harvest please?

[Jamesy_uk]

This depends on what you want from the plant Anita.

You can let it seed and harvest the seeds as a garnish or addition to stir fries etc, the leaves can also be used but if you want the bulb it can be harvested any time and usually when it starts to go to seed it's going to be ready.

''This is advice from my allotment friend Joe'' I havent had personal experience.

[Florence Fennel]

When it looks my avatar Anita! I've grown it for the first time this year. A lot of it went to seed, I think because I was a bit early to sow it, but I have had some make lovely plants (I love how it looks in the garden, particularly the feathery fronds and the beautiful seed heads). Although I've discovered no-one actually likes the taste of it - I'm growing it again next year for it's ornamental value

[Anita Plot]

Thank you Jamesy
Florence. Not sure if we like it but I agree with you it certainly is pretty

[Sarico]

out of 6 plant only one mad a fat onion style bulb... don't know why when they were plant at the same time and had the same treatment... probably because was in the middle pot so had a bit of warm extra... you can eat them anytime and i also eat the leaf stem as a cellery stick.. i love the flavour and after a big italian style meal they are nice help to digest...but if they going to seed ( in the midle you will notice a tall stalk start to form) harvest them...

[Vince G]

Grew for the first time this year. Went to seed a bit quickly but got a few nice bulbs out of it. Would be better if it tasted more of aniseed as this is a flavour I love. Still nice though.

[Mr Bones]

Ready to harvest as soon as the bulbs are plump but before they send up flower stems. Lovely stir-fried with a splash of lemon juice and a twist of black pepper.

[Florence Fennel]

Thank you Jamesy
Florence. Not sure if we like it but I agree with you it certainly is pretty

Apparently it's supposed to be a good accompaniment to fish. I think I prefer chips and mushy peas with mine