Vegetable · Apiaceae family
Florence fennel
Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
In short a 10-second read
Florence fennel (vegetable) grows to 0.5–1 m tall and 0.1–0.5 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in May–July. Plant out in May–June. Harvest in August–November.
× spread 0.1–0.5 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: humus-rich, loamy, sandy
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
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
Sowing
direct sowing: June–July; sow indoors: May
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–June
Harvest
August–November
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow Florence fennel?
In May–July (direct sowing, sow indoors).
When is Florence fennel harvested?
In August–November.
Does Florence fennel tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does Florence fennel need?
At maturity 0.1–0.5 m wide and 0.5–1 m tall; recommended spacing 30 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (11)
- RHS — Florence fennel — grow your own
- RHS — Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum 'Dragon'
- RHS — Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Foeniculum vulgare
- ReinSaat (AT) — Florence Fennel Fino
- Dreschflegel Bio-Saatgut (DE) — Knollenfenchel Fino
- Wikidata (CC0) — Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
- GBIF species/match — Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
