Bronze Fennel

Towering, explosive yellow umbel flower heads sway frivolously atop the dark, feathery plumage of this gorgeous fennel. Growing anywhere from 3 to 6 feet tall, this fragrant herb attracts human and insect pollinators alike. Among the many bees and wasps that visit its flowers, Bronze Fennel is an important host plant for Anise Swallowtail and Eastern Black Swallowtail butterflies to lay their eggs.

Native to warm, sunny coasts of the Mediterranean, fennel seeds are featured in traditional recipes, such as Italian sweet sausage, for their distinct anise-licorice-y flavor. Teas are made from the young leaf fronds, and dried seeds are chewed after meals for their stomach settling and digestive supporting purposes.

Days to maturity: 50-60

Seeds per pack: 150

Germination rate: 48% (total viability: 54%) on 09/14/2023 (read more about viability)

Planting / harvesting notes

Enjoying full sun, and moist, well-draining soil, these plants are perennial in zones 5-11 and self-seeding annuals in cooler climates. Plant 1-2ft apart, as billowing copper-plum colored fronds will fill the space - with its height it's a perfect back border plant for any garden. Prolific seeders, note that in warmer climates Bronze Fennel can become weedy and/or invasive.

Seed keeping notes

Coming soon!