Sweet Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Gulf States, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, Nepal, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Sinai, Spain, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen
Alvesgaspar
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apiaceae
- Genus:
- Foeniculum
- Species:
- Foeniculum vulgare
- USDA Symbol:
- FOVU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Texas clearwing moth (Carmenta texana), Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon), Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), Papilio bairdii
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Pyrobombus Dalla, ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) Butterflies:Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon), Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, beneficial insects, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from taproot after fire or cutting; can become invasive in fire-prone areas.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean regions with dry summers
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily at 60-70°F with light. Direct sow in spring after last frost.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.