Perfection Fennel (Bulbing)

Foeniculum vulgare

Seeds per pack ~ 70

Germination: 90% Dec 2023 (Packed for 2024)

DISCOUNTED 

Origins and History

Perfection Fennel is an old heirloom variety developed for its flavorful, tender bulbs and consistent growth habit. Fennel itself has a long history stretching back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was cultivated for its medicinal and culinary uses. The Perfection type likely emerged in the 19th to early 20th century as growers in Europe and North America sought uniform, bolt-resistant fennel for both market gardens and home use. Its name, “Perfection,” reflects its reputation for reliable performance, balanced flavor, and refined bulb shape.

Appearance and Characteristics

This fennel produces smooth, rounded white bulbs with a crisp, juicy texture and delicate anise-like flavor. The bulbs are uniform, often slightly flattened at the base, with finely divided, feathery green foliage that resembles dill. Plants reach 24–30 inches tall, with upright growth that supports the development of clean, harvest-ready bulbs. It is valued for being slow to bolt compared to some older strains, making it suitable for a wider harvest window.

Culinary Uses

Perfection Fennel is a versatile kitchen staple. The bulbs can be eaten raw in salads, thinly sliced for a crisp, aromatic crunch, or roasted and braised for a sweeter, mellower flavor. The fronds make an attractive garnish or can be chopped and used like dill in soups, stews, and seafood dishes. The seeds, when allowed to mature, can be harvested for seasoning breads, sausages, and teas. Its balanced licorice-like taste makes it especially popular in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

Growing Tips

Fennel thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture. Direct sow seeds as fennel does not transplant well due to its long taproot. Plant in USDA Zones 5–10, sowing outdoors once danger of frost has passed in spring or in late summer for a fall crop. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spaced 4–6 inches apart, with rows 18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches once established to give bulbs room to form. Perfection Fennel is relatively heat-tolerant but benefits from even watering to prevent stress and bolting.

Harvesting Guidance

Bulbs are ready to harvest when they reach 3–4 inches in diameter, typically about 75–80 days after sowing. Use a sharp knife to cut bulbs just above the soil line. For prolonged harvests, remove only a few plants at a time, leaving others to size up. Fronds can be snipped as needed without harming bulb development. If saving seed, allow select plants to flower and mature; fennel seed heads can be cut and dried when they turn brown, yielding aromatic seeds for culinary or replanting use.