Tell me about fennel
I never grew fennel before, but now(after tasting it) I love to eat it, so ghrowing it would be fun. Do they branch out or each seedling grows just one bulb? When do we start blanching it? Is it a good time to put in the seeds now in coastal zone 10(or 24)?
Be sure, when you purchase the seeds, that you've purchased the ones for "bulbing" fennel.
Fennel has been specialized: one variety makes the anise-like bulbs for slicing, sautéing, etc., and the other makes lots and lots of seeds, but no bulbs.
This second variety puts forth a wicked taproot, too; I've helped friends (two) dig them out. The plant will come back from any part of the root and has become a pest in some parts of the Bay Area.
So read the seed packet carefully, and happy cooking!
Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9
Fennel has been specialized: one variety makes the anise-like bulbs for slicing, sautéing, etc., and the other makes lots and lots of seeds, but no bulbs.
This second variety puts forth a wicked taproot, too; I've helped friends (two) dig them out. The plant will come back from any part of the root and has become a pest in some parts of the Bay Area.
So read the seed packet carefully, and happy cooking!
Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9
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SarahSarah
- Cool Member
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- Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:14 pm
- Location: East Bay, CA
