Florence fennel advice

[Seagull]

I absolutely love fennel, and had quite a bit of success last year in terms of the quantity I grew. However, quality was another matter, as unfortunately it was rather tough when it came to eating. It wasn't inedible, just not nearly as nice as it might have been.

Any advice on how I can improve on it this year? Perhaps I left it in the ground too long before harvesting? I grew Finale last year but am going to try Romanesco this year.

Thanks in advance.

[WendyC]

If it was tough I'd guess it was water, or lack of it. I'm going to try and get some to grow without bolting this year.

[planetologist]

I sow florence fennel by midsummer to eat in autumn. This avoids the bolting problem as the days are shortening. The rest of the year I eat fennel, the herb, which is perennial, and produces seeds that are good for a bit of sunshine taste in winter.