Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'( Bronze Fennel) Herb Plant

Bronze Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum') Herb Seeds

Bronze Fennel, or Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' is a hardy perennial herb, with feathery bronze leaves,  These are followed by fllat-topped, sulpur-yellow flow heads in mid to late summer followed by the fragrant seeds. This giant fennel looks equally at home in the herbaceous border or herb garden and makes a great centrepiece in either. Great in a border with rrasses and mixed perennials where its delicate foliage allows other plants to be seen through a soft mist. 

It has been used for centuries and spread around the globe, and will happily grow wild in many parts of the world, but is considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean and India.. Fennel will thrive anywhere, and it is easily propagated by seeds, sown early in April in ordinary soil. It likes plenty of sun and is adapted to dry and sunny situations, not needing heavily manured ground, though it will yield more on rich soil.

Growing 1.5m to 2m tall, fennel will need to be cut back to remove old growth, and the plants should be replaced every 3 years.

Growing Instructions

Fennel seeds can be sewn directly outdoors from March to July into well prepared soil preferably in full sun when temperatures reach around 13-18C (55-64F). Sow seeds thinly into drills 1cm (½") deep and 38cm (15") apart. When fennel seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 30cm (12") apart. For a successional harvest, make regular sowings.

Herb Usage

The leaves and seeds of Bronze Fennel, are used as flavouring in a variety of dishes, especially Eastern European cooking, and on account of its aromatic properties, Fennel seeds are used medicinally as a purgative to help digestion and assist with stomach gripes - it is a main component in the domestic 'Gripe Water,' used to correct the flatulence of babies.

Buy Bronze Fennel Seeds Online

Our Bronze Fennel Seeds are generally available to buy online all year round.