Aniseed flavour and scent. Attractive feathery green foliage plant. Produces bright yellow edible ...Aniseed flavour and scent. Attractive feathery green foliage plant. Produces bright yellow edible flowers. For both medical and culinary use. Perfect for pollinators. This feathery green foliage with aniseed flavour plant is attractive in borders with its bright yellow flowers. Hardy and drought tolerant, likes full sun and a free-draining soil; foliage will die back to the ground in winter and re-emerge in the Spring. Herb Fennel is free seeding and will appear around the garden after the first year of flowering/seeding. A member of the carrot family, Foeniculum vulgare (common fennel) is also extremely attractive to bees and other beneficial insects with an attractive nectar source. Use the seeds to flavour both bread and biscuits. Ideal for soups and curries as well as flavouring fish or poultry. The leaves and stems can be eaten raw and taste great in salad. Has anti-bacterial properties and can help to aid digestion. Aniseed-flavoured perennial with feathery green foliage and bright yellow edible flowers, Foeniculum vulgare is hardy and drought tolerant once established. Attractive to bees and beneficial insects, it suits pots, patios, borders and raised beds. Plants are supplied as 6 x 9cm plug plants in biodegradable cells for easy planting; foliage dies back in winter and re-emerges in spring. Culinary uses include seeds for flavouring bread and biscuits, leaves and stems raw in salads or cooked in soups, curries, fish and poultry.
Marshalls Garden Fennel Plant - Foeniculum Vulgare - Green / 6Free delivery in 1–3 days£29.98Visit shop →
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Full details
This guide is for home gardeners looking to add an aromatic and versatile plant to their garden. The Marshalls Garden Fennel Plant offers a unique aniseed flavor and scent, bright yellow edible flowers, and attracts beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition for culinary and ecological purposes. A potential caveat is its free-seeding nature, which may lead to it appearing in unexpected areas after the first year.
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Model Part Number
10805369
Brand
Marshalls Garden
Extended Product Information
FAQs
When is the best time to plant fennel?
Fennel plug plants are best planted as soon as you receive them. If immediate planting isn't possible, keep them in a light, cool place and water sparingly until you can plant them out.
Can fennel be grown in pots?
Yes, fennel is well-suited for growing in pots, containers, and raised beds, provided the container has good drainage and the plant receives ample sunlight.
How often should I water established fennel plants?
Once established, fennel is drought tolerant. Water only during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Can I eat the flowers of the fennel plant?
Yes, the bright yellow flowers of the fennel plant are edible and can be used as a garnish or ingredient in dishes.
Why is my fennel plant spreading so much?
Fennel is known to be free-seeding. This means it produces many seeds that can easily germinate and grow into new plants around your garden, especially after the first year.
What parts of the fennel plant are edible?
All parts of the fennel plant are edible: the seeds, leaves, stems, and bulb (though bulb fennel varieties are typically grown for their bulbs, which this variety does not produce). This variety is primarily used for its feathery foliage, seeds, and flowers.
Does fennel die back in winter?
Yes, the foliage of Foeniculum vulgare typically dies back to the ground during winter in colder climates. However, the plant is hardy and will regrow from its roots in the spring.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves
This can indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil is free-draining and adjust watering frequency. It can also be a sign of nutrient deficiency; consider a light feed if drainage is adequate.
Plant is leggy and weak
Insufficient sunlight is the most likely cause. Relocate the plant to a sunnier spot (at least 6 hours daily). Ensure it has good air circulation.
No flowers produced
Ensure the plant is receiving enough sunlight and is established. Young plants may take a season to mature before flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen feeding, which can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Fennel is spreading too much
Deadhead flowers before they set seed to prevent self-seeding. Regularly remove any unwanted seedlings that appear around the garden.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides a unique aniseed flavor for cooking and baking.
Flowers are edible and attractive.
Supports local ecosystems by attracting bees and beneficial insects.
Low maintenance due to drought tolerance.
Perennial nature means it returns year after year.
Versatile culinary uses for various dishes.
Cons
Can be free-seeding, potentially spreading into unwanted areas of the garden.
Foliage dies back in winter, temporarily reducing visual appeal.
Requires full sun and free-draining soil for optimal growth.
May require management to prevent excessive spreading.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Planting Time: Plant plug plants as soon as they arrive. If immediate planting isn't possible, keep them in their biodegradable cells in a light, cool place and water lightly.
Site Selection: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining. Amend heavy clay soils with grit or compost to improve drainage.
Planting: Gently remove the plant from its biodegradable cell. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant in, and backfill with soil, firming gently. Water thoroughly after planting.
Compatibility:
Containers: Suitable for pots, patios, and raised beds, provided they have good drainage.
Borders: Works well in mixed borders, complementing other sun-loving perennials.
Companion Planting: Generally compatible with most garden plants, but its vigorous self-seeding may require monitoring near delicate species.
Care:
Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish the plant. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Feeding: Generally, fennel does not require heavy feeding. A light application of a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring can be beneficial, especially for plants in containers.
Pruning: Cut back dead foliage in late autumn or early spring. Deadhead flowers if you wish to prevent excessive self-seeding, or allow them to develop seeds for culinary use and wildlife.
Winter Care: The foliage will die back in winter. The plant is hardy and will regenerate from the roots in spring.