Massive Fennel Bulbs!

We've let our fennel go! We planted this fennel last fall! Although it is kind of hard to tell from these photos, these bulbs are really quite large and have started to grow sprout entirely new fennel bulbs! They have not yet started to flower, but when they do, the flowers will provide a nice habitat for bees and butterflies and eventually allow the fennel to self-propagate.

Fennel fun fact: Fennel is a carminative, also known as carminativum (plural carminativa), which is an herb or preparation that either prevents formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, or facilitates the expulsion of said gas, thereby combating flatulence.


Here are some tips from eHow on growing the perennial fennel! Did you know that fennel, "Does not play well with others?" The eHow article recommends that you avoid growing fennel near tomatoes, beans and cabbage plants because the fennel interferes with their growth. On the flip side coriander tends to interfere with fennel's growth. We've got our fennel growing with beets and both are doing great!