Like many crops, when fennel bulbs are ready they need to be harvested — if they’re not picked right away, they tend to bolt. When fennel plants bolt, the growth is very fast, almost sudden. The quest for bolt-resistant bulbing fennel has led to the new hybrid, Preludio Organic. Its bulbs are heavy and substantial, shiny smooth on the outside, and packed with flavour. They are dense and uniform, with firm, crisp texture, and the tops are verdant and upright, so they look fabulous on the market table. This is the best variety for late summer and early fall harvests in most areas.
How To Grow, 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). Seeds should sprout in 10-14 days.
How To Grow, Starting: Sow seeds 1cm deep, a few seeds where each plant is to grow. Thin or space to 20-30cm in rows 45cm apart.
How To Grow, Growing: Ideal pH: 5.5-7.0. Rich, well-drained soil produces the best bulbs. Transplant when seedlings are 5cm 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.
How To Grow, Harvest: Use a knife to slice the bulb from the root when it has thickened to 5cm or more across. If this is done carefully, smaller bulbs will sprout from the root later.
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