Herb · Apiaceae family · with preparation per the EMA
fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
In short a 10-second read
Fennel (herb) grows to 1–2 m tall and 0.4–0.6 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in soil from dry to moist. It flowers in July–August; the flowers are yellow. Sow in April–May. Hardy to −31 °C.
× spread 0.4–0.6 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in soil from dry to moist. Hardy to −31 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to moist · watering: little
Soil: loamy, humus-rich, sandy, clay
Soil pH 5.5–8
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–August · yellow
Pruning
cut back to the ground (February–March)
Sowing
direct sowing: April–May
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −31 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −31 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does fennel flower?
In July–August; the flowers are yellow.
When do I sow fennel?
In April–May (direct sowing).
Does fennel tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does fennel need?
At maturity 0.4–0.6 m wide and 1–2 m tall; recommended spacing 58 cm.
Does fennel survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −31 °C.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 11 expert sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (11)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS — How to grow fennel
- Wikidata (CC0) — Foeniculum vulgare
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Foeniculum vulgare
- Bamberger Staudengarten (Strobler), katalóg
- Gärtnerei Strickler, katalóg
- RHS Plant Finder
- Foerster-Stauden, katalóg
- EMA/HMPC - Foeniculi amari fructus (herbal medicine)
- EMA/HMPC - European Union herbal monograph, Foeniculi amari fructus
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
Preparation and use · fennel
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: fruit
For: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating, productive (chesty) cough with a cold EMA 4.1For whom: Adults, adolescents EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Dried herb EMA 4.2 EMA 2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1.5 g of dried fruit in 250 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 4.5 g a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- Use for no more than 2 weeks. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 1.5 g of dried fruit in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 250 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 15 min.
EMA 4.215:00 - 4
Drink 3× a day.
EMA 4.2
For: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating, productive (chesty) cough with a cold EMA 4.1For whom: 4–12 years · children EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Dried herb EMA 4.2 EMA 2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1 g of dried fruit in 100 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 3 g a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- Use for no more than 1 week. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 1 g of dried fruit in a cup. EMA 4.2
- 2
Pour over 100 ml of boiling water. EMA 4.2
- 3
Steep for 15 min. EMA 4.2
- 4
Drink 3× a day. EMA 4.2
For: minor menstrual cramps EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adults, adolescents EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Dried herb EMA 4.2 EMA 2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1.5 g of dried fruit in 250 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 4.5 g a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- Use for no more than 2 weeks. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 1.5 g of dried fruit in a cup. EMA 4.2
- 2
Pour over 250 ml of boiling water. EMA 4.2
- 3
Steep for 15 min. EMA 4.2
- 4
Drink 3× a day. EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: fruitfor: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating, productive (chesty) cough with a cold | 1.5 g of dried fruit in 250 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 3× a day · 4.5 g a day in total EMA 4.2 | Adults, adolescents | at most 2 weeks EMA 4.2 | |
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: fruitfor: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating, productive (chesty) cough with a cold | 1 g of dried fruit in 100 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 3× a day · 3 g a day in total EMA 4.2 | 4–12 years · children | at most 1 week EMA 4.2 | |
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: fruitfor: minor menstrual cramps | 1.5 g of dried fruit in 250 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 3× a day · 4.5 g a day in total EMA 4.2 | From 12 years · adults, adolescents | at most 2 weeks EMA 4.2 | |
| Children under 4: not recommended EMA 4.2 | |||||
How long
Use for no more than 2 weeks. — for: Adults, adolescents; From 12 years · adults, adolescents EMA 4.2
Use for no more than 1 week. — for: mild spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating, productive (chesty) cough with a cold · 4–12 years · children EMA 4.2
Who should not use it
- Children under 4: not recommended EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- If allergic to plants of the carrot family (Apiaceae) EMA 4.3
- If allergic to anethole EMA 4.3
- If allergic to mugwort EMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- Not recommended for children aged 4–12 if the daily intake of estragole exceeds 1.0 µg/kg body weight. EMA 4.4