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We have been busy packing our favorite flower seeds and gearing up for another amazing year. Stay tuned for back in stock seeds and plants for 2025 plus over 75 new varieties!
Fennel 'Smokey Bronze' Organic
Organic Seed

Fennel 'Smokey Bronze' Organic

Foeniculum vulgare
Bronze fennel is a giving plant as it has edible leaves, flowers, seeds, stems, and roots. The purple-brown feathery foliage possesses a sweet, mild anise flavor that is delicious in meats, vegetables, breads, and tea brewed from the anise-like seeds aids digestion. Beneficial insects and bees feast on the golden flowers in summer and caterpillars of the black swallowtail butterfly feast on the ample foliage. Uniquely beautiful paired with deep red or peach dahlias. Deadhead to suppress self sowing, if desired.
SKU #S716OG
$3.50
Currently Unavailable
Notify Me When Available
Growing Companions
Dahlia 'Bishop's Children Mix'
Dahlia 'Bishop's Children Mix'
Agastache 'Golden Jubilee'
Agastache 'Golden Jubilee'
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
62
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9
Mature Size
3' h x 1.5-3' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Purple bronze
Features
Scented Leaves
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Beneficial Insects
Notable
Certified Organic Seed Available
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/8"; soak seeds for 4 days prior to sowing
Sprout Time:
7-30 days
Starting Indoors:
Start indoors in pots in late winter. Keep at 55-65°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in early spring into cool soil.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Herb and vegetable garden borders and cottage gardens are good homes for fennel. With a reputation as a killjoy in vegetable and herb garden pairings, supposedly suppressing the growth of many other plants, it redeems itself as a boon to the beneficial insect community. Self-sows.
Final Spacing:
1.5'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" per week
Soil pH:
Not particular about pH.
Fertilizer:
Mix in a few inches of compost prior to planting and topdress with an additional 2" or so every spring thereafter if growing as a perennial. If soil is not rich, apply a granular or liquid feed fertilizer every month throughout the growing season.
Diseases & Pests:
Avoid stem and root rot by placing in a well-drained location. If aphids are troublesome, hose down plants daily until the pest is gone; and insecticidal soap can also be applied. Slugs can be an issue; sprinkle some crushed eggshells, diatomaceous earth, or iron phosphate pellets on the ground surrounding the plants.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Collect seeds before they are dispersed by the plant; foliage can be cut as desired. Dig up bulbs after about 3-4 months, when they have reached 2-3" in diameter.