Fennel Finocchio Romanesco or "Florence Fennel"

Sustainably Grown

Unlike common fennel, which is prized for it's feathery leaves, Florence fennel, forms a bulb at the base of the plant that is harvested and eaten like a vegetable. The plant itself only grows 2-3 ft tall, which makes it an ideal candidate for smaller gardens.

The yellow flowers of fennel are extremely attractive to all nectar-feeding beneficial insects. Ladybugs, lacewings, and syrphid flies will often be found hovering around the flowers or laying their eggs in the foliage. If you see large, black & green caterpillars on your fennel, don't be alarmed. Fennel is also a host plant for swallow butterfly caterpillars.