• Home
  • History
  • Jobs To Do
    • January
    • February
    • March
    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • November
    • December
  • GALLERY
    • Images From 2023
    • Images from 2022
    • Images from 2021
    • Images From 2020
    • Images From 2019
    • Images from 2018
    • Images From 2017
    • Images From 2016
    • Images From 2015
    • Images From 2014
  • Members Only
    • Allotment Photos & Videos
    • The Team
    • WRAS Events
    • Getting Started
    • Newsletters
    • Documentation
    • Other Trafford Allotments
  • Blogspot
  • Recipes
    • Soups & Starters
    • Main Courses
    • Vegetables & Sides
    • Desserts
    • Preserves
  • Awards
  • Links
Walton Road Allotments

Walton Wanderings Blogspot

Fabulous Florence Fennel

8/4/2016

3 Comments

 
Picture
Gary - Plot 16b:
Someone commented about how fabulous my fennel looked last year so I thought I would share what I did. I think I was just lucky as I didn't do anything special but here goes:

The seeds I used were Kings Fennel Rondo F1 which can be sown directly into the ground or in modules. Kings say that fennel doesn't like root disturbance but starting them off in modules worked fine for me. You can plant anytime from April to May. I have some growing on the windowsill in the conservatory as we speak. Last year I potted them up into larger pots before I hardened them off outside. I then just planted them on the allotment, 25 - 30cm apart and let them grow, keeping the weeds at bay and keeping them well watered until the plants were established. As the swollen stems start to develop, it's a good idea to gradually build earth up around them to preserve the whiteness and flavour. I harvested the leaves from July and bulbs from September and October. I may have left some to get a bit too large, but live and learn. The only other bit of info is that I planted them where I had grown onions the year before, but I am not sure if that is relevant.

Unlike the fennel in the herb section which is grown specifically for its leaves, this fennel is grown for the bulbous plant base which can be used chopped raw in salads, braised as a vegetable or added to casseroles. It has a mild aniseed flavour with a texture much like celery. I love it grilled on the BBQ and you can find my recipe (with a little help from Jamie Oliver) on the "Vegetables and Sides" page of the Recipe section of this website. Happy growing!
3 Comments
Paul link
10/4/2016 03:37:15 pm

Great blog Gary. I have never grown fennel before but would like to give it a go. I haven't got room this year but will definitely have a go next year. Keep us posted on how you get on with your plants this year.

Reply
Sheila link
25/9/2016 07:17:17 pm

There was a discussion about difficulties growing fennel going on GQT earlier this year. They recommended Rondo, the variety Gary used, as being less likely to to to seed!

Reply
Paul link
25/9/2016 07:35:17 pm

Good to know Sheila. I will try that next season


Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Plot holders cogitate and ruminate about allotment life.

    Archives

    May 2022
    June 2020
    July 2019
    November 2018
    February 2018
    June 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016

    Categories

    All
    Equipment
    General Chat
    How To Grow...

Copyright - Walton Road Allotment Society © 2023
  • Home
  • History
  • Jobs To Do
    • January
    • February
    • March
    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • November
    • December
  • GALLERY
    • Images From 2023
    • Images from 2022
    • Images from 2021
    • Images From 2020
    • Images From 2019
    • Images from 2018
    • Images From 2017
    • Images From 2016
    • Images From 2015
    • Images From 2014
  • Members Only
    • Allotment Photos & Videos
    • The Team
    • WRAS Events
    • Getting Started
    • Newsletters
    • Documentation
    • Other Trafford Allotments
  • Blogspot
  • Recipes
    • Soups & Starters
    • Main Courses
    • Vegetables & Sides
    • Desserts
    • Preserves
  • Awards
  • Links