HERB, Perfection FENNEL

Foeniculum vulgare

Seeds per pack ~ 70

Germination: 90% Dec 2023 (Packed for 2024)

Perfection Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Perfection') is a cultivar of the common fennel plant, Foeniculum vulgare. It is renowned for its culinary and ornamental qualities. Perfection Fennel typically grows to a height of about 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters). It forms a clump of feathery, finely dissected leaves that resemble delicate fern fronds. The foliage is a bright, vibrant green, giving the plant an attractive appearance in gardens and landscapes. Fennel has been valued for its culinary and medicinal properties for centuries, with a rich history in various cuisines around the world. It's commonly associated with Mediterranean cuisine but is now popular in many other culinary traditions as well.

In the summer months, Perfection Fennel produces clusters of small yellow flowers arranged in umbels atop tall stems. These flowers not only add visual appeal to the plant but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

The entire plant is edible, with both the leaves and seeds being utilized in cooking. The leaves have a sweet, anise-like flavor and are often used as an herb to flavor various dishes, salads, and sauces. The seeds are also aromatic and are commonly used as a spice, particularly in bread, soups, and pickles.

Perfection Fennel thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established and can be grown in a variety of climates, though it prefers temperate to warm regions. The plant is a perennial in frost-free areas but is often grown as an annual in colder climates.

Fennel plants are generally low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and minimal pruning to remove any dead or damaged foliage. However, they can spread vigorously if not controlled, so some gardeners may prefer to grow them in containers or dedicated areas to prevent them from overtaking other plants in the garden.

Overall, Perfection Fennel is a versatile and attractive herb that adds both aesthetic beauty and culinary flavor to gardens and landscapes.