Fennel is a popular herb in many parts of the world, especially in Europe and North America. This plant with large fragrant flowers is known for its spicy, slightly aniseed flavor. Fennel is used both in cooking and in traditional medicine, and it is an easy plant to grow in most climates. And the best part is you can plant with fennel bulbs.
Fennel bulbs are easy to grow and require little attention. They can be planted any time of the year as long as the ground is not frozen, and they prefer a sunny, well-drained spot. Once established, fennel bulbs can thrive for years without much care. In addition, this plant is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an easy choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
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How and when to plant fennel?
Before explaining how to plant fennel bulbs, it is first time to clarify what bulbs are and why they are so advantageous when growing a vegetable. Well, bulbs are an organ belonging to certain plants which is used to reproduce and propagate said plants. While some of them are modified stems, others are usually a thickened root type. Although the structure is different, all bulbs serve their purpose: it stores food so that the plant can survive through inhospitable seasons and seasons and, therefore, be able to grow in the seasons that follow.
When a bulbous plant reproduces, a new bulb grows from the original bulb. This usually happens when the plant’s leaves turn yellow and die back, indicating that the plant is preparing for winter. The new bulbs grow in the ground around the original bulb and, once they are large enough, they can be separated and planted separately.
It is therefore not surprising that these plant organs are a popular means of plant reproduction. due to their ease of cultivation and the fact that they can be stored for long periods of time no need for care. Some common examples of bulbous plants include onion, garlic, hyacinth, tulip, and fennel.
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What are bulbous plants
As for fennel bulbs, they can be planted at any time of the year, Until the ground is frozen. However, the most common is to plant them in the fall, when temperatures begin to drop. This gives them plenty of time to establish and grow over the winter and bloom the following spring.
If you plan to plant your fennel bulbs in the fall, it’s important to do so. before the temperatures drop too much. This usually means planting them a few weeks before the first frost. This way, the bulbs will have plenty of time to become established before winter.
On the other hand, if you decide to plant your fennel bulbs at another time of the year, make sure the ground is not frozen and there is enough water to keep them moist. It’s also important to make sure they get plenty of sun during their growing period.
How to plant fennel bulbs step by step
Now that we know when to plant fennel bulbs, let’s see how to do it. step by step:
- Location: Choose a location with plenty of sun and adequate drainage to plant your bulbs. Fennel needs at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive.
- Land preparation: Remove all weeds and harrow the soil to aerate it. Mix a small amount of compost or fertilizer into the soil to provide nutrients to the bulbs.
- Place the bulbs: Place the bulbs in the ground to a depth of about three times their height. Make sure you space them out enough so they can grow without a problem.
- Irrigation: Water the bulbs after planting. Be sure to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
- Patience: Wait for the fennels to sprout and bloom. Fennels take a few weeks to sprout and can take up to a year to flower.
Fennel growing time depends on many factors.such as temperature, soil, amount of light and care it receives. However, in general, it can be said that it takes about a year to grow and flower, if well cared for, of course.
For harvest fennel, Follow these steps:
- Wait until the flowers are past their peak and dry out.
- Cut the flowers and leaves using scissors or a sharp knife.
- Let the flowers and leaves air dry for a few days.
- Store dried fennel in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use it.
It is important to remember that fennel it is most fragrant and best tasting when properly harvested and dried. It’s also a good idea to rotate the flowers and leaves every few days to make sure they get fresh air and avoid damage.
When are fennel bulbs harvested?
Fennel bulbs are harvested after the plants have died and completely dried out. This usually happens in late summer or early fall.
To complete this task, you must first remove all the dry leaves and stems from the plant. You should then use a shovel to dig around the bulb and carefully lift it out of the ground. Clean the bulb of any remaining dirt and let it air dry for a few days. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place until you are ready to replant them.
It is important to remember that fennel bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent them from rotting or drying out too much. It’s also a good idea to rotate them every few weeks to make sure they get fresh air and prevent damage.
I hope this information helps you grow strong and healthy fennel bulbs!