Fennel
by John Yazo
Fennel is used both as a herb and a spice. It is a perennial but often planted as a annual. Itis related to parsley and grows to a height of 5-8 feet tall. Fennel resembles dill and will cross pollinate with it. They should be kept a good distance apart.It is kno for it's seeds that have a strong sweet anise flavor.
The roots, leaves and stalks of fennel are all edible and is a good source of vitamin C. The base of fennel can be cooked the same as an onion., only with a much sweeter flavor.
Fennel will grow in most soils but grows best in rich soil. Sow seeds after the last frost, space seeds 1-2 inches apart and in rows 2 foot apart. Then cover the seeds with a 1/4 inch of fine soil. When plants get to 3-4 inches tall thin them to 1 foot apart. After plants grow to about 1 foot tall side dress them with 3-4 inches of compost covering the exposed bulb.
When leaving fennel to grow as a perennial, it will need to be heavily mulched when cold wheather is due in your area. A heavy layer of straw will protect it from the freezing conditions. Spread the mulch over the plant ansd the surounding area.
Harvest fennel for drying when the seeds are fully ripened.
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