Fennel - pressing block 4x4 cm - set of 5 pieces

Fennel originated in Asia and was transported to Europe through medieval trade routes. Its scientific name (Foeniculum vulgare) refers to the Latin word for hay and denotes the fineness of its leaves. The cultivation of fennel used to be found mainly in the countries around the Mediterranean Sea.

Fennel looks like a white bulb but is actually an accumulation of the leaf sheaths.

CULTIVATION TIPS:
The planting distance for fennel is 30 cm x 30 cm or about 10 to 11 plants/m².
You should not plant the fennel plants too deep: the stem base (you often see a small thickening) should remain above the ground.

Fennel likes a moist, humus-rich soil. Before planting, fertilize the soil with a compound fertilizer (NPK) with a high potassium (K)

Fennel does not tolerate drought well, so regular watering is very important for this crop. The period just after transplanting and the start of bulb formation are two important moments for watering. To avoid overshooting and bursting of the bulbs, the growth of the crop and the development of the bulbs should be as even as possible.

In the open ground, fennel can be harvested from about June 15 until frost in the fall. Fennel belongs to the group of long-day plants. This means that long days (longer than 13 hours of light) promote flower establishment and short days slow down this process. The growth of the crop and the development of the bulbs should be as even as possible. Therefore, very hot summers are unfavorable and cool, not too wet summers are advantageous for the crop.

For a good growth of fennel, temperatures of 15-19 degrees Celsius are optimal. Temperatures above 24 degrees Celsius and below 7 degrees Celsius inhibit growth. Fennel is a frost sensitive crop, so if you plant out very early you should always keep an eye on the thermometer and cover the crop if necessary. This early planting out, by the way, increases the chance of bolting.

The Allégrow fennel plants are grown under warm and well-lit conditions to avoid bolting, but cold weather after transplanting results in a standstill in growth, which in turn encourages bolting. If you think you can get around this by planting a bit later, the same problem can occur at high temperatures. Above 25°-26° plant temperature the plant also stops growing. In that case we speak of "heat shot". The autumn cultivation of cormel is the easiest, you can plant until August 15.

CULINARY:
The vegetable is quickly cooked and easily digestible. Fennel can be prepared not only warm, but can also be eaten raw. Chop very finely and mix into salads. The taste and smell of celeriac is aniseed-like, a little sweet yet spicy and fresh. It gives your dishes a southern touch.

You can use the fine leaves as garnish and flavoring. You can also use fennel greens in combination with fish dishes

MEDICINAL:
The seeds of fennel have been known for their medicinal properties since ancient times, and they have been made into medicine in a variety of ways.

The most powerful form of this is fennel oil, which is pressed from the seeds. Another option is to draw extracts from the seeds.

Fennel seeds can help with intestinal problems and menstrual disorders, among other things. It is also used to encourage breastfeeding since the essential oil made from the seeds contains a large amount of anethole (phytoestrogen).

HARVEST AND STORAGE:
Harvest corms when they are about a tennis ball in size; a good weight ranges from 200 to 300 grams. Bulbs that are too large can crack and soon become too fibrous and tough. From the beginning of November, we can protect the autumn crop a little more from frost by covering it.

You can store harvested fennel in a cool place for several weeks.

PROBLEMS AND DISEASE:
Rabbits love the distinctive taste of fennel. Shield your fennel plants extra so hares and rabbits don't get a chance.

If you plant the fennel too close together, you may already have problems with botrytis. This is a white-gray fungus on the tuber. Harvest carefully (the fungus fluff is full of spores) and cut away the diseased part.

If you wait too long to harvest, the bulb may burst open. The resulting wounds are ideal entry points for fungi. If there is a sudden heavy rainfall after a dry period, the tuber may also burst open. Harvest cracked tubers as soon as possible.