Florence Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare azoricum)

Florence Fennel, called Finnochio in Italy, is an edible plant with ornamental, feathery, anise-flavored leaves, and enlarged, bulb-like, aromatic leaf stalks. The seeds are also edible and anise-flavored, and aid digestion. This southern European native was cultivated in American gardens by 1800. In 1824, Thomas Appleton sent Thomas Jefferson fennel seeds from Italy, stating "The Fennel, is beyond, every other vegetable, Delicious." Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.

Direct sow seeds in mid-spring, every two weeks, and again in July for a fall harvest. Keep well-watered. Although a perennial, Florence Fennel is usually grown as an annual and harvested in summer or fall. Approximately 18 seeds per packet.