Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Apiaceae
Native
Africa, Asia, and Europe
Life Cycle
Annual
Plant Height
Tall (Greater than 24")
About Romanesco Fennel Seeds
Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
The crunchy, dense, licorice-flavored "bulb" is comprised of tightly layered, overlapping, swollen stalk ends. The feathery foliage looks similar to dill, but has a delicate, anise flavor. The seeds also taste similar to anise or licorice. 'Romanesco' is a florence type fennel.
Planting Fennel
Plant Spacing
A group of 3 seeds every 10"
Hardiness Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Required
Full sun
Plant Height
Tall (Greater than 24")
Planting Depth
¼"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage | This packet sows up to 17 feet. |
|---|---|
| Row Spacing | 10" |
| Seed Depth | ¼" |
| Seed Spacing | A group of 3 seeds every 10" |
| Thinning | When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 10" |
| Germination | 7–14 days |
| Start Indoors | 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost (recommended for spring "bulb" production). Use biodegradable pots for transplant. |
| Direct Sow | "For "bulb": Midsummer for fall harvest is optimal; ideal soil temperature is 60°–75°F. In cool summer areas (under 75°F): 1 to 2 weeks after average last frost. Mild Climates: Sow in fall for cool season harvest. For foliage only: Every 3 weeks after average last frost until midsummer. |
| Growing & Harvesting | BULBOUS STEM BASE: Harvest any time after the base begins to fatten, and before plant begins to bolt. Cut just below the soil surface. LEAVES: Can be clipped for fresh use almost any time after plant becomes established. SEEDS: Harvest seeds when they turn from yellow green to grey green. If allowed to turn brown, they may fall to the ground before you can harvest them. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Slide 1 selected
Search
Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
6 reviews
- Dawanna L. Y.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars11/13/26Pollinator magnet
I was shocked by the amount of bees and butterflies that I had in my garden this year, and these plants were constantly covered with them. They also look absolutely beautiful blowing in the breeze. I did eat some, but I let them go to seed after flowering for the most part, just to keep the bees around. If you don't like the taste of fennel, this is still worth growing, because the pollinators love it so much. It's early November, and it is still growing. I didn't know if it would work, but I read that you could cut the bulbs off above the soil line and the plant would regrow new bulbs and greens. It worked! I cut these off at the beginning of September and these baby bulbs have regrown. I'll definitely try this again next year, only earlier in the season.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests11/13/26Hey Dawanna,
That's wonderful to hear that your Romanesco Fennel Seeds turned into such a pollinator magnet! We're so thrilled you're experiencing all those bees and butterflies in your garden this year.
It's so cool that you decided to let your fennel go to seed to keep the pollinators around. Regrowing the bulbs after cutting them off - such a fantastic way to extend your harvest and keep the garden thriving.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us and our gardening community. We're so glad the Romanesco Fennel Seeds are bringing you such joy and helping your garden flourish!
Keep on growing 🌻
- DANI L.Rated 5 out of 5 stars2/4/255 Stars
I plant this fennel every year in my aerogarden to feed to my swallowtail caterpillars and it always grows HUGE with plenty of stalks and foliage. I can feed many caterpillars with just one bulb. :) A+
- Deborah M.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars9/13/245 Stars
I really liked being able to use my birthday$$ to order seeds early for next year, and to get free shipping! Some of the seeds I have planted this fall: chamomile, winter savory and that red chiles.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner - Katherine E P.Verified BuyerRated 1 out of 5 stars5/9/221 Star
seeds in the packet have not produced bulb fennel. They are producing flowering stalks for fennel seed. So disappointed. Evidently I'm not the only one. please do better.
- Regan A.Verified BuyerRated 2 out of 5 stars5/9/222 Stars
This is false advertising as the picture and description indicate a bulb producing variety but these seeds do not. They do grow into wonderful stems but not bulbs.