Fennel, Perfection

75 to 90 days — The bases of 'Perfection' fennel's bulbous stems are crisp, white, and deliver a delicious, mildly licorice flavor when used in soups, pasta, and stir fries. On its own, it can be enjoyed raw, steamed, baked or fried. All parts of the plant are edible. Its young leaves and stalks can be harvested as needed for flavoring. Its frilly foliage makes an excellent alternative to dill for use as a garnish for fish or even chicken. Its seeds can be used in beverages, confections, breads, and other baked goods.

Generally raised as an annual, the plants are hardy to under 20ºF. When timed properly, you can sow and transplant on a schedule for a nearly year-round harvest in many locations. In general, fennel does best in the cooler parts of the year. However, 'Perfection' tends to be slower to bolt than other open-pollinated varieties and rivals modern hybrids. Each packet contains 0.5 gram, which is approximately 70 seeds.