by It can be difficult to grow fennel in pots, as the plants often become top-heavy and fall over.
Fennel is a delicious herb that can be used in many dishes, but it can be difficult to grow if you don’t have a lot of space.
Try growing your fennel in a pot! This will help to keep the plant from becoming top-heavy and falling over.
Benefits of growing fennel in pots
Fennel is a great herb to grow in pots. It is a hardy plant that does well in containers and can be grown either indoors or out. Growing fennel in pots has a number of benefits including:
Easier to take care
One of the main benefits of growing fennel in pots is that it is a very hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. This means that it is relatively easy to care for and can be grown successfully by even beginner gardeners.
Able to change location
Another benefit of growing fennel in pots is that it can be grown either indoors or out. This makes it a versatile plant that can be grown in a number of different locations.
Adding to dishes
Fennel is also a very fragrant herb and its scent can add a touch of luxury to any dish. This makes it a great herb to grow in pots near the kitchen so that it is always on hand to add flavor to recipes.
Growing fennel from seed
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an herbaceous perennial that can be grown from seed. This is the way to grow fennel if you want it to come back year after year in the same spot. Fennel growing in pots does not flower as readily as when grown in the ground, but you will still get a fair crop of bulbs.
1. Fennel seed
Sow fennel seeds in pots in late winter or early spring, at a depth of 1/4 inch. Use a seed-starting mix or a potting soil. Fennel seeds are very small, so be careful not to sow them too thickly.
2. Transplanting fennel seedlings
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. Use a pot that is at least 8 inches wide and deep.
3. Fennel growing in pots
Fennel growing in pots will need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. Fertilize fennel growing in pots every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer.
4. Harvesting fennel
You can start harvesting fennel once the bulbs have reached a good size. To harvest, cut the stalks about 2 inches above the bulb. Fennel growing in pots can be harvested throughout the summer.
5. Overwintering fennel
Fennel growing in pots can be overwintered indoors. Bring the pot inside before the first frost and place it in a sunny spot.
Propagating fennel
Fennel is a great herb to grow in pots. It is easy to propagate from seed and will grow quickly in a pot. Fennel will also do well in a sunny spot in the garden.
To propagate fennel from seed, sow the seeds in a pot of well-drained soil. Water the soil well and keep it moist.
The seeds will germinate in 10-14 days. Once the seedlings have grown to about 2-3 inches tall, thin them out so that the strongest seedling remains in each pot.
Transplanting fennel
If you are growing fennel in pots, it will need to be transplanted into the ground eventually. When the fennel is about 12 inches tall, it is time to transplant.
To transplant the fennel:
1. Dig a hole in the ground that is twice the size of the fennel’s root ball.
2. Carefully remove the fennel from its pot, being careful not to damage the roots.
3. Place the fennel in the hole, and fill in with soil.
4. Water well.
After transplanting, the fennel will need to be watered regularly. Be sure to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Types of fennel plants
There are three types of fennel plants: Florence, bronze, and green.
Florence fennel
Florence fennel is the most popular type and has a bulbous base that looks like a cross between an onion and celery.
Bronze fennel
Bronze fennel has copper-colored leaves, and its flavor is more intense than that of Florence fennel.
Green fennel
Green fennel has green stalks and feathery leaves. It is the type most often used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Which type of fennel you choose to grow will be determined by what you plan to use it for. If you want to use the fennel bulb, then Florence fennel is the best option. If you want to use the leaves and stalks in cooking, then green fennel or bronze fennel would be a better choice.
Fennel growing tips
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a member of the Apiaceae family and is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 2-3 feet (1). It has green, feathery leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, but it can be grown in other parts of the world.
Fennel can be grown in pots or in the ground. If you are growing fennel in a pot, make sure that the pot is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix.
Water fennel plants regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize fennel plants every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Harvest fennel leaves and stems as needed. Cut the stalks close to the ground. Fennel seeds can be harvested when the flowers turn brown and start to drop off the plant. Store fennel seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Fennel plant care
Fennel is a hardy, perennial herb that can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. There are few things to remember when growing fennel in pots:
Soil requirement
Fennel prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Amend your potting soil with compost or organic matter to ensure the plant has the nutrients it needs to grow.
Fennel will grow in a wide variety of soil pH ranges, from 5.5 to 7.0 (2) . However, it does best in slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Water requirement
Fennel likes a consistent supply of moisture, especially when the plants are growing rapidly or producing seed heads. Water your fennel plants deeply, and then allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilizer requirement
Fennel is a heavy feeder and will benefit from being fertilized every few weeks. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, and follow the package directions for application rates.
Sun requirement
Fennel needs full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. Place your pot in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
If you are growing fennel in a cold zone, you will need to provide some winter protection. One option is to move your pot to a sheltered location, such as a garage or porch. Another option is to cover the pot with a frost blanket or burlap.
Fennel growing zone
Fennel grows best in zones 7-10. If you live in a colder climate, you can still grow fennel – you’ll just need to start it indoors or in a greenhouse.
Fennel companion plants
Fennel is a great companion plant to grow with other vegetables in your garden. Some plants that pair well with fennel include:
Tomatoes: Fennel improves the flavor of tomatoes and helps deter tomato hornworms.
Broccoli: Fennel deters cabbage root flies and white butterflies.
Cabbage: Fennel deters cabbage root flies.
Beans: Fennel attracts pollinators and deters Mexican bean beetles.
Onions: Fennel deters onion maggots.
Carrots: Fennel improves the flavor of carrots and deters carrot root fly.
Harvest fennel seeds
Fennel can be harvested starting in the fourth or fifth month, depending on the climate. Cut the stalks close to the ground when the seeds are ripe and dry.
Wait until the plants have flowered and the seeds have turned brown. Cut the stalks off at ground level and place them in a paper bag.
Hang the stalks upside down in a cool, dry place for a few weeks to allow the seeds to fall out. Once the seeds have fallen out, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
How to store fennels
To store fennel, you can either freeze it or store it in the fridge. If you choose to freeze it, chop the fennel into small pieces and place it in a freezer bag. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing it. Frozen fennel will last for up to six months.
If you prefer to store fennel in the fridge, it will last for up to two weeks. Cut the fennel into smaller pieces and place it in a covered container or wrap it in plastic wrap. Be sure to remove any brown or yellowing leaves before storing.
Common pest and disease
There are a few common pests and diseases that can affect fennel plants grown in pots. These include aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and powdery mildew.
Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are all sucking insects that can weaken fennel plants and cause them to produce less foliage. To control these pests, you can use a variety of organic insecticides or release beneficial insects into your garden.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause fennel leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. To control powdery mildew, you can use a fungicide or take preventive measures such as growing fennel in well-ventilated areas and ensuring that the plants have enough space between them so that air can circulate properly.
If you are having difficulties with pests or diseases when growing fennel, you may want to consider growing fennel in pots instead. Pots allow you to better control the soil conditions and environment, which can help to avoid many common problems.
Final Thoughts
Fennel is a versatile herb that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Growing fennel in pots is easy, making it the perfect herb for urban gardeners or anyone with limited space. If you’re looking for an interesting addition to your herb garden, consider growing fennel.
