Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae) Carrot family, includes angelica, carrot, caraway, cilantro, dill, fennel, chervil, and lovage.
Native
Africa, Asia, and Europe
Life Cycle
Tender perennial in USDA zones 4–9; grown as an annual
Plant Height
Tall (Greater than 24")
Further Information
Plant Characteristics
Attracts Pollinators
Growing Conditions
Frost Tolerant
About Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare (hybrid)
The crunchy, dense, licorice-flavored "bulb" is comprised of tightly layered, overlapping, swollen stalk ends. The feathery foliage looks similar to dill, but has a delicate, anise flavor. The seeds also taste similar to anise or licorice. 'Dragon' is a Florence type fennel.
Planting Fennel
Plant Spacing
A group of 3 seeds every 10"
Light Required
Full sun
Plant Height
Tall (Greater than 24")
Planting Depth
¼"
Planting Details
| Row Spacing | 10" |
|---|---|
| Seed Depth | ¼" |
| Seed Spacing | A group of 3 seeds every 10" |
| Thinning | When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 10" |
| Germination | 7–14 days |
| Start Indoors | 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date (recommended for spring "bulb" production). Use biodegradable pots for transplant. |
| Direct Sow | For “bulb”: Midsummer for fall harvest is optimal; ideal soil temperature is 60°–75°F. In cool summer areas (under 75°F): 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Mild Climates: Sow in fall for cool season harvest. For foliage only: Every 3 weeks after your average last frost date until midsummer. |
| Special Care | Mulch around the base of the plant to blanch the "bulb" and make it more tender. Water stress, root disturbance, heat or lengthening of days can trigger bolting (prematurely going to seed) Florence type fennel is easier grown for fall harvest. |
| Growing & Harvesting | BULBOUS STEM BASE: Harvest any time after the base begins to fatten, and before plant begins to bolt. Cut just below the soil surface. LEAVES: Can be clipped for fresh use almost any time after plant becomes established. SEEDS: Harvest seeds when they turn from yellow green to grey green. If allowed to turn brown, they may fall to the ground before you can harvest them. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
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Total 5 star reviews: 5 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
5 reviews
- HannahVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars4/3/26Excellent seeds!
This was my first time growing fennel and it turned out really good! The seed germinated well and grew into a big fennel bulb. It measured just under 4 inches across. I cooked it in a tomato fennel risotto and it was delicious. Be aware, though, that fennel is allelopathic, so it will stunt the growth of the surrounding plants. I had to relocation a second fennel plant that was next to this one because it was stunted. That second fennel is currently growing really well now. I'm in Zone 10a and started growing these in February. I'm excited to grow them again in the fall.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests4/4/26Hey Hannah,
What an amazing first-time fennel growing experience! We're so excited to hear your Dragon Fennel Seeds produced such a beautiful bulb - just under 4 inches across sounds absolutely perfect! That tomato fennel risotto sounds incredible, and there's nothing quite like cooking with fresh fennel you grew yourself. Thanks for sharing that helpful tip about fennel being allelopathic too - that's great knowledge for other gardeners to know about spacing! It sounds like you've really got the hang of growing fennel now, and we're thrilled you're already planning your fall planting in Zone 10a. Here's to many more delicious fennel harvests ahead! Keep on growing 🌻️
- VeneseRated 5 out of 5 stars12/9/255 Stars
I'm never disappointed with BI. Always good products.
- Andrea H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars10/14/245 Stars
I like fennel but have never grown it. Nice to try new things now and then. Grateful we have these seeds.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - CassieRated 5 out of 5 stars2/14/245 Stars
I am always trying different varieties and this one sounded interesting.
- CassieVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2/14/245 Stars
I am always trying different varieties and this one sounded interesting.