An Overview Of Fennel
After knowing benefits of aromatic herb, if you are looking for ideas of herb garden design, then now, you have reached at an appropriate place. Here you will learn about fennel which is an aromatic herb. Grow fennel in your herb garden design and see amazing benefits of it. Basically, it is an aromatic herb native of Mediterranean region. It can be cultivated in anywhere around the world. This herb has aromatic perennial qualities. It grows for 5” in height, feathery leaves, small oval shaped ridged seeds, yellow flowers. The herb resembles as celery and can be eaten as vegetables.
Key Points:
- Fennel is an aromatic Mediterranean herb valued since ancient times for its licorice-like flavor and health benefits.
- The feathery leaves, seeds, and bulbous root of fennel can all be used to add flavor to foods.
- Dried fennel deters fleas, making it useful to plant near pet beds and kennels.
- Fennel thrives when grown in a sunny herb garden spot with rich, well-draining soil and adequate wind protection.
How To Use Fennel In Routine
Fennel is a great herb which has several usages. People use it because it is audible. It is consumed like vegetables. It tastes very delicious. The seeds and leaves can also be used in making foods. It gives great flavor to eatables. Some people start comparing its taste with licorice and anise. The aroma of fennel is quite similar to these herbs. It is a relative herb of caraway. This herb is being cultivated since olden times and for the Romans, it has great value. It is believed that many warriors use this aromatic herb for their good health. From time, ladies have been using it for obesity.
Fennel Fights With Flea
The most interesting quality of fennel is that; it is a plant that keeps flea away from pets. Many people plant this aromatic herb near stables or kennels. It is a fact that if you place dried fennel in your dog’s house or over your pet’s bed, it works effectively to deter the infestation of flea. However, it is a great solution to get flea out from your pets, but do remember that there is an Allelopathic fennel and this kind of fennel is not good for several other plants in a garden. It often inhibits the growth of the plants. If it is kept near the plants, it can kill them as well.
Things You Should Do To Grow Fennel In Your Herb Garden Design
To grow this aromatic herb in your herb garden design, it is necessary to use a sunny location. It requires full sun exposure. You should provide nice draining soil. Providing rich soil can help producing healthy foliage. To make soil effective, you should give fertilizers to the soil. You should sow the seed in 12 inches and after sowing, you should cover the seeds with soil perfectly. If you are using row planting, then you should give spacing for 3 feet. When this plant grows for 18 inches long, you should keep fennel at a windy place.
Necessary Maintenance For Proper Growth Of Fennel
To have all the benefits of this aromatic herb, you should provide necessary maintenance to this plant. To grow perfectly, it takes around 100 days of duration. It is a self seeding plant. But initially, you should get seeds from market or any nursery to grow it in your garden. The most required thing to grow fennel is to use perfectly drained soil as it is a plant that grows only in good quality of soil. Providing good soil quality will benefit you as in such soil, fennel gives great amount of aromatic oil and better taste.
FAQ:
What gives fennel its distinct licorice-like flavor?
The aromatic compound anethole is responsible for the anise-like flavor of fennel leaves, seeds, and bulbs.
What parts of the fennel plant are edible?
The leaves, stalks, seeds, and bulb root can all be used to impart flavor to foods and beverages.
How does fennel deter fleas on pets?
Natural compounds in fennel have insecticidal properties. Dried fennel repels fleas when placed in pet beds.
Does fennel require full sun to grow well?
Yes, fennel needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is ideal along with some afternoon shade.
What soil conditions does fennel prefer?
Fennel thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil. Amend clay or sandy soil with compost.
How much space should be allowed between fennel plants?
Space fennel plants 12-24 inches apart. wider spacing minimizes competition for sunlight, nutrients, and wind protection.
How long does it take for fennel to mature?
Fennel takes around 100 days to fully mature and produce edible leaves, bulbs, and seeds for harvesting.
Can fennel inhibit the growth of other garden plants?
Yes, some varieties of fennel release allelopathic compounds that hinder other plants. Keep isolated.
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