Foeniculum vulgare Umbelliferae

CULTIVATION A hardy herbaceous perennial, fennel has aromatic, feathery, mid-green or copper-bronze leaves and flat heads of sulphur yellow flowers from midsummer. It grows to a height of 1.5-2m (5-6½ft) and prefers well-drained, poor to medium-rich soil and full sun. Propagate it by sowing seeds in spring or summer or by dividing the plant in autumn, planting them 45 cm (18in) apart. Harvest the leaves at any time, the flowers from midsummer and the seeds from late summer. A garden and border herb.