West Coast Seeds (Selma Fino)
West Coast Seeds (Selma Fino)
The large, flat, white bulbs are a delicious treat. Selma Fino fennel seeds are a superior strain of Florence fennel that will bulb reliably and won't bolt from a spring sowing. Florence fennel is eaten as a vegetable in southern Europe, and Selma Fino fennel seeds are prized by growers everywhere. Try pairing the mild licorice flavour of fennel with citrus. Thinly slice one fennel bulb and mix it with some orange segments, orange juice, and sultanas for a refreshing summer salad.
Latin Name |
Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce |
Difficulty | Easy |
Exposure |
Fun sun |
Sprouting | 10-14 days |
Timing |
Start indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date in individual peat or coir pots. Fennel dislikes root disturbance. Transplant (or direct sow rows) 4 weeks after last frost in succession to mid-summer. Ideal temperature for germination: 15-21°C (60-70°F). |
Starting |
Sow seeds 1cm (1/2”) deep, a few seeds where each plant is to grow. Thin or space to 20-30cm (8-12”) in rows 45cm (18”) apart. |
Growing |
Ideal pH: 5.5-7.0. Rich, well-drained soil produces the best bulbs. Transplant when seedlings are 5cm (2″) tall. If raising transplants, do not disturb the roots, as this may cause plants to bolt. Keep well watered to ensure succulent bulbs and prevent bolting. |
Harvest | Use a knife to slice the bulb from the root when it has thickened to 5cm (2″) or more across. If this is done carefully, smaller bulbs will sprout from the root later. |
Germination | 80% |
Seed Life | 2 years |
Superior strain of fennel
Bulbs reliably and does not bolt
Large, flat, white bulbs are a delicious treat
Open-pollinated seeds
Matures in 80 days