How to Grow Fennel in Perth WA

Name: Baileys Fertilisers
Address: Perth, Western Australia
Telephone: (08) 9439 1688

Author

Baileys Fertiliser

Published

24 March 2023

Vegetable & Herbs

Fennel is a herbaceous plant (Foeniculum vulgare) that belongs to the carrot family. It is a highly aromatic and flavourful herb that is used extensively in cooking.

The plant has a bulb-like base with long green stalks and feathery leaves. The seeds of the fennel plant are often used as a spice, and have a warm, slightly sweet and anise-like flavour. Fennel is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and has several potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and improving respiratory health.

Fennel is a relatively easy herb to grow in Perth.

Where to Grow Fennel

Fennel grows best in full sun, in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Select a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

How to plant Fennel

Before planting, enrich the soil with Baileys Soil Improver Plus which contains compost and manure that will encourage strong and healthy growth. If you have very sandy soils, use Baileys Clay & Compost.

Fennel can be started from seeds or transplants. If starting from seeds, plant them directly in the soil in early spring or autumn. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart. Fennel seeds take 7-10 days to germinate.

Once the fennel seedlings have grown a few inches tall, thin them to 6-8 inches apart. This will give the remaining plants enough space to grow to their full size.

How to care for Fennel

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate. Once the plants are established, water them deeply once a week. Use an organic-based fertiliser such as Baileys Soil Matters Garden or Blood & Bone Mix every 4-6 weeks.

Harvesting Fennel

Fennel bulbs are ready to harvest when they are about 3-4 inches in diameter. Cut the bulbs at ground level with a sharp knife. You can also harvest the feathery leaves and seeds throughout the growing season.

Fennel pest & disease

Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Cutworms: These caterpillars can damage the fennel plant by cutting through the stem at ground level. To prevent cutworms, you can use a collar made of cardboard or plastic around the stem of the plant.

Fennel rust: This fungal disease causes orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be prevented by planting fennel in well-draining soil and avoiding overhead watering.

Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a powdery white coating on the leaves of the plant. It can be prevented by planting fennel in a sunny, well-ventilated area and avoiding overhead watering.