Bronze fennel - Foeniculum valgare 'purpureum'
200 Seeds
Sow March - May
Hardy perennial.
Height up to 2m (7ft), spread 45cm (18in)
Prefers a dry, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Sow seeds outside in shallow drills spaced well apart and cover with fine soil. Water well and thin or transplant when plants are large enough to handle
The plants long, carrot shaped root produces a round, lined stem with blue-green stripes. The aromatic, finely cut leaves are reddish-brown. The small, aromatic flowers are arranged in clusters, which appear in midsummer. The aromatic, oblong seeds have prominent ribs.
Do not plant near coriander, caraway, dill or wormwood as they hinder each other.
Fennel - Bronze
From the family Apiaceae.
Native to the Mediterranean area, fennel was considered a magical herb that could ward off evil. It is referenced in the myths and folklore of many countries. The name derived from the Latin foenum meaning 'hay'. Every part of the plant is edible. Roman warriors and gladiators ate fennel with their meals to increase their fighting strength and courage. The wreaths worn by victors after combat in the arena were made of fennel. Ladies and athletes ate the seeds as a health food to prevent obesity, as it stills the pangs of hunger. In medieval Europe fennel wreaths were hung above doorways on Midsummers Day to keep witches away and in the Pyrenees, they were fastened on to rooftops for protection against evil magic. In the Middle Ages it was used to deter insects.