Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill)

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun

Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium

Nectarmedium

Pollenmedium

Companions

plant

Cabbage

Fennel is often considered a poor companion for many plants, but some sources suggest it can be neutral or even beneficial for brassicas by attracting beneficial insects.

Keep apart from

plantTomatoFennel is generally considered a poor companion for tomatoes, potentially inhibiting their growth.plantCommon beanFennel is reported to inhibit the growth of bush beans.

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

emergenceSeeds germinate and seedlings emerge after the last spring frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 10°C.

floweringFlowering typically begins in mid-summer, triggered by lengthening days and sufficient growth after emergence.

fruitingFruits (seeds) develop after flowering, maturing over several weeks.

harvestSeeds are harvested when fully mature and dry, typically in late summer to early autumn.

senescenceFoliage begins to die back with the first autumn frosts and shortening days.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained

Nitrogen fixingNo

MycorrhizalNo

Accumulatespotassium, calcium, sulfur

Soil textureloam, sandy_loam

Organic matterMedium

Compaction toleranceLow

Propagation

Methodsseed

Difficulty2 / 5

Establishes in~1 yr

Self-seedingModerate

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, hoverflies, ladybugs, parasitic wasps

Repelsaphids, slugs