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Fennel no bulb

sthlndngrowersthlndngrower Posts: 160
in Fruit & veg
Hi
for the second year running, the fennel on my allotment seems to have grown and grown, but no bulb formed. 
Two questions- 1- what might i be doing wrong? heavy clay soil, has been watered
2- i know i can use the seeds, but can i sue the stems in any way, other than addign to the compost?
thank you

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    In my experience they really do need a lot of moisture to do well, especially when it's hot, and like a high potash feed every couple of weeks.   You can use the fronds in salads or as a garnish on fish and to infuse oil but the stems are quite tough and best composted.   

       
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Another use for the stems is to cut and dry them and use them as an aromatic on the barbecue when cooking fish  :)

    Just checking that you are growing Florence fennel and not the herb fennel?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • sthlndngrowersthlndngrower Posts: 160
    Thank you both... It is Florence fennel, sadly probably a bit underwatered!
    Will use it on the barbecue! thanks for the tips!
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