Florence Fennel 'Zefa Fino'

Unlike the common bronze fennel grown for its seeds and foliage, 'Zefa Fino' is a cultivar specifically bred for its succulent, bulb-like swollen leaf bases. This biennial is frequently grown as an annual in the UK for its distinct aniseed flavour and crunchy texture. It produces feathery, bright green fronds that can reach 60-90cm if left to bolt, but it is typically harvested when the 'bulb' at the base reaches the size of a tennis ball. It is notably resistant to bolting, making it better suited to the variable British summer than older varieties. It requires a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, moisture-retentive soil to encourage rapid growth. Sowing is usually done from mid-summer onwards to avoid the longest days, which trigger flowering. The delicate foliage is excellent in salads, while the bulbs can be braised, roasted, or sliced raw. It is hardy to H3, so it is generally treated as a seasonal vegetable crop.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Fertile, moisture-retentive soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.