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Botanical Interests

Romanesco Fennel Seeds

Romanesco Fennel Seeds

Regular price $2.99
Sale price $2.99 Regular price
~0.5 g (~60 seeds)
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Product Details

You are in for a real treat with this gourmet, but often overlooked, garden wonder. Also called Roman or Florence fennel, the crisp, bulbous stem has a delicious, anise flavor and can be eaten raw, sautéed, fried, and used in soups or pasta. Feathery foliage is attractive and is an excellent fresh garnish. Seed can also be harvested as a spice. For best "bulb" production, sow for fall harvest.

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  • Variety Info
  • Sowing Info
  • Growing Info

Variety Info

Family: Apiaceae

Native: Africa, Asia, and Europe

Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 4–9; grown as an annual.

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: Foliage from 2'–4' tall; the "bulb", 3"–4" diameter at the base

Variety Info: 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. 'Romanesco' is a florence type fennel.

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: "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 average last frost. Mild Climates: Sow in fall for cool season harvest. For foliage only: Every 3 weeks after average last frost until midsummer.

When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost (recommended for spring "bulb" production). Use biodegradable pots for transplant.

Days to Emerge: 7–14 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 10"

Row Spacing: 10"

Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 10"

Growing Info

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.

3.4
Rated 3.4 out of 5 stars
Based on 5 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 2 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 1
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5 reviews
  • DANI L.
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Feb 4, 2025
    5 Stars

    I plant this fennel every year in my aerogarden to feed to my swallowtail caterpillars and it always grows HUGE with plenty of stalks and foliage. I can feed many caterpillars with just one bulb. :) A+

  • Deborah M.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Sep 13, 2024
    5 Stars

    I really liked being able to use my birthday$$ to order seeds early for next year, and to get free shipping! Some of the seeds I have planted this fall: chamomile, winter savory and that red chiles.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner
  • Regan A.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 2 out of 5 stars
    May 9, 2022
    2 Stars

    This is false advertising as the picture and description indicate a bulb producing variety but these seeds do not. They do grow into wonderful stems but not bulbs.

  • Lorraine
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    May 9, 2022
    4 Stars

    Big, beautiful plants loaded with flowers. Attracts lots of pollinators. Hosted lots of swallowtail caterpillars and they still looked great. BUT none of them produced bulbs. Very disappointed.

  • Katherine E P.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    May 9, 2022
    1 Star

    seeds in the packet have not produced bulb fennel. They are producing flowering stalks for fennel seed. So disappointed. Evidently I'm not the only one. please do better.