Florence Fennel Romanesco
People complain that fennel is hard to grow because it runs to seed. That's normally because they sow too early. Wait until June or July to sow and your plants will be growing in the slightly cooler temperatures of late summer/early autumn and they'll put more of their energy into producing big succulent bulbs instead of leafy top growth.
Either devote fresh bed space to it, or use space that's come free from crops you've just harvested like your new potatoes.
Time from seed to plate: 12 weeks
Sowing Calendar
Sow
Sow fennel direct into your soil or in gutters. Gutters are useful if you want to get your plants going before space has come free in your plot.
One gutter should be enough. Sow the seed thinly, aiming for 1/2in between seeds. Cover lightly with compost and water.
Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to leave 2in between plants.
Sowing method: Gutters
Grow
Plant out your seedlings once they reach 3-4in tall - usually about one month from sowing. Dig a little extra compost into your soil if you've already used it once this year, and position the plants with 12in gaps between them.
Harvest
Harvest from September through to November. Cut the plant just above the soil with a sharp knife and you may get a second crop of smaller bulbs.