Has it gone to seed?

[Peteyd]

I'm growing fennel for the first time this year, they have come on massively since i planted them out in my raised beds.

The issue I'm having is that I'm unsure as to whether thay have started to go to seed or not...


help...?

[Mr Bones]

Those at the front look like they're bolting. Fennel's a devil for it but sowing mid June to mid July gives it a better chance.

[Penellype]

My rule of thumb with fennel is if the white part is taller than it is wide, its about to bolt.

[Peteyd]

Ah, so basically anything with the fresh green bushy bit is going?

Is there anything I can do to stop it appart from start again?

Can I still eat them as they are (like now as baby fennel)?

[Penellype]

Nothing wrong with the green bushy bit, its the white part, where it starts to push upwards instead of growing fatter. You can eat them when they look like this. The more bolted they get the tougher and stringier they will be.

[Peteyd]

Ah right. Thanks. I think i'll use these ones soon then and get some more growing. Hopefully they might stand a better chance against bolting...