|
Florence fennel, or
finocchio, is a highly decorative plant for the
vegetable plot. It is grown for its swollen bulb-like
base which has a distinct taste of aniseed and
as an added bonus the feathery foliage can be
used as a substitute for fennel. Unfortunately,
it is not an easy plant to grow – a warm
summer is required for proper bulb development
and any check to growth results in the plant running
to seed.
Well-drained sandy soil is needed, in which humus
has been incorporated during winter digging. Sow
½ in (1cm) deep in drills 1 ½ ft
(45cm) apart in late April and thin the seedlings
to 1ft (30cm). Water when the weather is dry and
earth-up the bulb when it is the size of a golf
ball. Continue this earthing-up until the bulb
is as large as a tennis ball (July-September),
then harvest by cutting the base with a sharp
knife.
Slice for serving raw in salads or boil for 30-40
minutes. Serve in melted butter, white sauce or
cheese sauce after draining.
|
