Florence Fennel Heirloom Seeds

Florence Fennel Seeds — Foeniculum vulgare | Heirloom Italian Bulbing Fennel | Vegetable, Herb & Spice in One Plant

Foeniculum vulgare — native to Italy, Florence Fennel is one of the most versatile plants in the kitchen garden: a single plant provides a crisp, anise-flavored bulb vegetable, feathery fronds as a fresh or dried herb, and seeds as a spice. The overlapping, thickened leaf stalks form a substantial bulb at the plant base — the defining feature of Florence Fennel versus the non-bulbing herb types. Compact at 2–3 feet tall. Direct sow only — fennel does not transplant well. 100+ seeds per packet.

Three Harvests from One Plant

• The bulb — crisp, sweet, anise-flavored; use raw in salads, or steamed, stir-fried, braised, or baked
• The fronds — feathery, fern-like tops used fresh or dried as an herb; adds licorice-like flavor to fish, soups, and sauces
• The seeds — aromatic, anise-flavored seeds used as a spice in baking, sausage, and meat dishes

Why Grow Florence Fennel?

• Three-in-one plant — vegetable bulb, culinary herb fronds, and aromatic spice seeds from a single planting
• Italian culinary heritage — a staple of Italian cooking; essential for authentic Italian fish dishes, salads, and braises
• Compact garden footprint — grows only 2–3 feet tall; ideal for smaller gardens
• Medicinal tradition — used in traditional medicine for digestive support, anti-inflammatory properties, and as a carminative
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

In the Kitchen

Slice the bulb thin and use raw in salads with citrus and olive oil. Braise whole halved bulbs in white wine and broth until silky. Roast with olive oil and parmesan until caramelized. Add fronds to fish dishes, soups, and sauces. Use seeds in Italian sausage, bread, and biscotti.

Growing Notes

Direct sow only — fennel does not transplant well. Sow as soon as soil is warm enough; soak seeds 1–2 days before planting for better germination. Plant ½ inch deep, 8–12 inches apart in a well-drained, sunny location. Keep well-watered until established. Note: fennel is allelopathic — keep away from tomatoes, peppers, and most brassicas.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden's success.