I Cannot Tell a Lie, You’ll Love Finocchio!
I know that most of you think I meant to write Pinocchio but my spelling is actually correct. Finocchio is the Italian name for Fennel; an herb native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. Fennel is actually a perennial although many gardeners treat it as an annual. Its stems look very similar to Celery and its leaves are fernlike. Its flavor is similar to licorice and it is used in soups, salads, and sauces. The seeds are also used in sausage and can be steeped into a refreshing tea. The leaves of Fennel can be frozen or dried but the stalks are best eaten fresh and are usually consumed raw.
Folk medicine has attributed many positive benefits to Fennel. It has been said that it can improve eyesight, stop hiccups, promote weight loss and act as an aphrodisiac. Fennel tolerates both hot and cold weather and will grow just about anywhere. It is easy to grow from seed or you can probably find plants at your local garden center. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and as a result, may require some staking or other support.
Cultivating Fennel is very similar to growing other herbs. It requires well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Similar to other plants with a significant taproot Fennel can be difficult to transplant. The seeds or plants should be planted in full sun in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. After the seedlings are 2 to 4 inches tall you’ll want to thin them out so that they stand about a foot apart. There is no need to fertilize fennel and once established it should be watered only when it dries out.
Fennel is a member of the Parsley family and is generally resistant to pests. It also is not typically impacted by diseases and for both of these reasons, it is a good choice for organic gardeners. Fennel is not just for the vegetable garden either. Its interesting foliage and height make it a good candidate for a flower bed and it can also be grown in a container. Try planting a single plant in a 6-inch pot or several in larger containers.
If you’ve never tried to grow Fennel than you may want to give it a try. I’m not lying when I tell you that you will love it!
