Also known as Fennel · 1k saves
Foeniculum
Foeniculum, the genus most gardeners know as fennel. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Foeniculum varieties
Species of Foeniculum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Foeniculum in Sow
Save the Foeniculum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Foeniculum
Whats common across all Foeniculum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Foeniculum year
- PlantMarch and April100% of varieties
Plant transplants after the danger of hard frost has passed
- HarvestMay–October100% of varieties
Harvest leaves as needed; collect seeds when flower heads turn brown
- Spring CleanupFebruary80% of varieties
Cut old stems back to the ground before new growth starts
- DeadheadAugust and September60% of varieties
Remove spent flower heads promptly if self-seeding is not desired
- Check for PestsJune and July40% of varieties
Monitor for aphids; tolerate swallowtail caterpillars (they eat the foliage).
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged stems ✂️
- Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring and midsummer 🌱
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not transplant seedlings too late in the season ❌
- Refrain from using chemical pesticides without organic alternatives ❌
What goes wrong with Foeniculum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted or sticky leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Carrot Rust Fly | Larvae damage roots and stems | Use row covers and crop rotation |
| Caterpillars | Chewed leaves and holes | Handpick or apply Bacillus thuringiensis |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Fungal rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Use organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
Making more Foeniculum
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring (2-3 weeks).
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination.
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist compost.
- Maintain humidity for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Foeniculum questions
How many types of Foeniculum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Foeniculum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Foeniculum grow in?
Across its varieties, Foeniculum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Foeniculum bloom?
Most Foeniculum varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Foeniculum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.