FINOCCHIO

Foeniculum vulgare (Syn. Antheum dulce, Antheum foeniculum, Foeniculum divarticum, Foenuculum officinale)For Plant information, Culivation and seed specs see Cultivation below

  Finocchio (Bulb Fennel)  - Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum - (75 Days)  Large rounded uniform bulbs are sweet, crisp and early.  Mild anise taste. Used in salads, drinks and cooked in casseroles.

#1099  Packet   $3.50   Approximately 100 seeds
#B1z-1099  Bulk seed, 1oz Approximately 7000 seeds       $9.00
#B4z-1099  Bulk seed, 4oz Approximately 28,000 seeds       $27.00
#B1-1099  Bulk seed, 1lb       $58.00

For  Fenkel  aka.  Sweet Fennel,  F. rubrum,  F. purpureum,   F. nigra  see:  BRONZE FENNEL

CULTIVATION

Finocchio or bulb Fennel, is a member of the Parsley family, Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). Unlike Leaf Fennel. it is a dwarf form grown for its large bulbous leaf bases which are used in soups, casseroles, or to make drinks with the slight taste of Celery.  Finocchio prefers cooler temperatures, so it does best when grown in early spring or fall. . Make sure to grow away from Dill, as the plants will cross polllinate.

Finocchio is easily grown in most any garden soil, but does best in fertile well drained soil high in organic matter with plenty of moisture. It can be propagated by sowing seed directly or for transplants.  FOR TRANSPLANTS:  Seed is best sown in cell trays, 3 seed per cell.  (Growing in cells prevents the roots from being overly disturbed, as this is detrimental to the plant.)  Transplant outdoors when all danger of frost is past.  Space seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart.  DIRECT SOW: Sow 1 seed per 3 inches in rows 18-24 inches apart.  Thin seedlings to one plant every 6-12 inches.  Cultivate to keep weeds down.  Keep seed heads clipped off to encourage leaf production.   BLANCHING:  To blanch the leaf bases, pile soil around the plant as it grows.

Finocchio has been  used for hundreds of years to treat kidney stones, as a digestive aid, and for sore throat. The plants contain the essential oits anethole, estragole, and fenchyl acetate.  Anethole is an anti-inflammatory, an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial that has shown promise in the prevention of many cancers and to protect the liver.  Plants also contain flavinoids and B vitamins.including folic acid, niacin, and Vitamin B6 as well as Vitamin C and potassium.  The plant has been found to increase milk production in nursing mothers and as an eyewash to treat conjunctivitis and blepharitis.

HARVEST:  When the base of the leaves are thick, pull the whole plant out of the ground and cut the bulb just above the taproot.  Remove leaves 2 inches above the root to store.  Store at 35-40F at 9% humidity.

SEED SPECS:  Average 7000 seeds per ounce;  DIRECT SEEDING RATE:  1000 seeds per 100 ft., 700ft per ounce

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