Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
Florence fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum) is an annual vegetable in the Apiaceae family, native to Mediterranean region (selected form of common fennel). It grows 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Florence fennel at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Flowering | about 14–20 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: swollen leaf bases (bulb), fronds, seeds |
| Native to | Mediterranean region (selected form of common fennel) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Florence fennel toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Culinary vegetable with no significant toxicity reported; sap may rarely irritate skin in strong sun.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Florence fennel
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With the Solanaceae family: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Carrot fly: Carrot fly also attacks parsnip, celery and parsley; mesh or barriers protect them all. Evidence B
Allelopathy: Fennel root and leaf exudates (e.g. anethole, fenchone) inhibit germination and growth of many neighbouring plants in lab and field tests. (within about 50 cm (20 in))
Questions about Florence fennel
- How far apart should I plant Florence fennel?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Florence fennel need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Florence fennel need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Florence fennel?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Florence fennel flower?
- About 14–20 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Florence fennel poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Culinary vegetable with no significant toxicity reported; sap may rarely irritate skin in strong sun.
- What grows well with Florence fennel?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Florence fennel. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Perennial species grown as an annual for its bulb; bolts if stressed or sown before midsummer in long days.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.