Q&A for How to Grow Fennel

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  • Question
    I split one fennel plant into several. Will they produce?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can divide fennel, and as long as you include a sturdy root with each new plant they will do fine.
  • Question
    How do I stop fennel from 'bolting'/going to seed before I get to harvest the bulb?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    I recommend starting your fennel indoors to get a head start on the summer heat.
  • Question
    Does fennel grow flowers?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Its flowers are yellow in color and edible.
  • Question
    I have a fennel bulb that started to grow roots. How can I save it and grow a plant from it?
    Sander1
    Community Answer
    If it is springtime, you can plant the fennel in your garden. Make sure to give it enough water and a sunny spot. If successful, the plant will start to flower (as fennel does in its second year) and give seeds. However, you cannot eat the fennel afterwards.
  • Question
    Why does my fennel bulb look weird?
    Community Answer
    It's organic matter. Sometimes living things look unique.
  • Question
    Who invented fennel?
    Community Answer
    The word "fennel" developed from the Middle English fenel or fenyl. This came from the Old English fenol or finol, which in turn came from the Latin feniculum or foeniculum, the diminutive of fenum or faenum, meaning "hay". The Latin word for the plant was ferula, which is now used as the genus name of a related plant.
  • Question
    My fennel plant is rotting at the base. Why?
    Sander1
    Community Answer
    Your soil might be too wet. Do you grow fennel on clay? Or has it rained a lot recently?
  • Question
    I usually boil the leaves and stem of the fennel plant. Is it good? Can a person with diabetes use fennel?
    Community Answer
    Yes, boiling is fine and it is okay for diabetics to eat. In fact, fennel is good for diabetics.
  • Question
    Can I grow fennel in a pot?
    Community Answer
    You can keep the fennel in a container. As fennel is a deep-rooted plant, it will require a container at last 12 inches (30.5 cm) deep, filled with light soil with some added gravel for drainage. If you plant more than one fennel plant in a container of this size, it will be too crowded to produce a large bulb, but you will still be able to enjoy the leaves and seeds.
  • Question
    How and in what ways can I use fennel seeds?
    Community Answer
    I use fennel seeds in most everything. I add it to soups and stews, it is even good in baked items like muffins, scones, etc. I make a tortilla soup that's great with fennel seeds. They're good for your digestive system.
  • Question
    Can I plant a seedling rather than the seeds?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. If it is a healthy seedling it should grow the same way as the seeds do.
  • Question
    How can I grow a fennel plant if I only have the seeds?
    Community Answer
    Follow the instructions listed in the article above.
  • Question
    What garden tool is used to cut fennel?
    Community Answer
    I would recommend pruners or sharp scissors. Be sure to wash the tool before (and after) using.
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