Growing Bronze Fennel - Benefits and Instructions
Benefits of Growing Bronze Fennel
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Multipurpose - This hardy perennial can be used as an eye catching piece in flower beds. The feathery fronds are edible and make a great addition to salads and the seeds can be used for making sausage or adding into breads and baked goods.
- Nutritional Profile - Vitamin C, B9, potassium and iron.
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Use in: Soups, stews, salads, teas, landscaping.
Growing Instructions
Culture:
Harvesting:
The fronds of the bronze fennel plant can be harvested at any time using a sharp pair of scissors. The thicker stems can be used much like you would bulbing fennel. Fennel seeds should be harvested as soon as they turn from green to brown on the stalk. This usually occurs in late summer. Carefully cut seed heads from the plant and place them in a paper bag. Allow the seed head to dry in the open paper bag for a few days to week. Shaking the paper bag should dislodge the seeds. Remove the plant matter and further dry the seeds before storing in an air tight container.
Storage/Preparation:
Fennel fronds are very delicate and are freshest when used immediately.
Companions:
Fennel is not recommended as a companion plant as it negatively affects many other plants. Dill is sometimes used as a companion plant, but often they will cross pollinate with each other.