Fennel seeds, cultivation
Some garden crops are best propagated by seed. Fennel seeds do not lose their germination for a long time. This culture is distinguished by a special predilection for neighbors in the garden, with whom it builds a kind of relationship.
Features of growing fennel in the garden
Outwardly, fennel is similar to dill, it has the same leaves and seeds. But it can grow up to 2 meters, which is beyond the power of dill. This vegetable plant can be used whole with roots, stems, leaves and even seeds. This culture has a gentle smell of anise.
Fennel seeds must be planted on seedlings so that heads of cabbage can form.
There are two types of fennel: pharmacy and vegetable. Vegetable is distinguished by a strong growth of basal petioles, which can be used for cooking. Pharmacy gives powerful greens. Seeds in both species appear only in the second year.
When planting fennel in the garden, you need to carefully select neighbors for it. If the soil is not rich enough in nutrients, “fennel” unceremoniously takes them from neighbors, pulling roots to them. This culture needs abundant watering. The lack of water will also be replenished by other plants.
Avoid planting fennel near legumes, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, and caraway seeds. These plants will suffer from such a neighborhood. Cucumbers and cabbage, on the other hand, will be happy with “sweet dill”. With its scent, it will protect them from aphids.
Growing fennel from seeds
The seed germination of the plant is quite good, they can be stored for 2-3 years. It is difficult for this culture to winter in the middle zone, it is worth growing it as an annual. The landing site should be well lit. Fennel loves soil rich in organic fertilizers and high humidity.
If you plant seeds in open ground, you can get only a tall stem with good greenery. In the middle lane, white heads of cabbage in a vegetable crop will not have time to form with such a planting. Fennel should be grown by seedlings, for this:
- Prepare a nutritious soil and pour water over it.
- Sow seeds 1 to 2 cm deep and cover with earth.
- Drizzle again with water.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
After 10 days, shoots should appear, which need to be cut into pots. Plants can be moved to a permanent place in a month. The distance between the shoots is 40 cm.
“Sweet dill” needs regular watering and fertilization. Fennel loves most of all liquid organic fertilizers. They need to be brought in once a week. Culture requires regular weeding, it must be done by hand. The emerging heads of cabbage should be covered with earth or peat – mulch the planting. It is supposed to dig out the harvest in the fall. To preserve the heads of cabbage, you need to cut off the greens from them and place them in a box of sand.
In the middle lane, you can grow vegetable fennel by planting seedlings. This plant loves “fat”, moist soil, and unceremoniously takes away the missing substances from the neighbors. Fragrant heads of cabbage can be stored for a long time in a box with sand, and spicy herbs can be dried or frozen.