Bronze Fennel Seeds

Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum', or Bronze Fennel, is grown as much for its foliage as its flowers. It produces great clouds of feathery, copper-bronze leaves that smell unmistakably of aniseed when crushed.

In late summer, it sends up tall, architectural stems topped with flat, mustard-yellow flower heads. It creates a "smoky" haze in the garden, acting as a beautiful veil that you can look through to see other colourful flowers behind. It is majestic, sensory, and edible.

Why Your Garden Needs Bronze Fennel

This is the ultimate "two-for-one" plant. In the flower border, it adds height and a stunning dark contrast to pinks and purples without blocking out the light. In the kitchen, you can use the feathery leaves in salads or with fish, and harvest the seeds later in the year for baking.

It is also a wildlife magnet of the highest order. Hoverflies (the gardener's best friend for eating aphids) absolutely adore the flat flower heads, and it is the primary food plant for the spectacular Swallowtail butterfly caterpillar.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Perennial?

Bronze Fennel is a Hardy Perennial.

This means it lives for many years. It dies back to the ground completely in winter, disappearing from view, only to shoot up fresh, vigorous bronze plumes again the following spring. It is a "short-lived" perennial (usually lasting 3-4 years), but it self-seeds so generously that you will likely always have it in your garden once you start.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Fennel has a long taproot, which dictates how you should grow it.

🌱 Germination:
Sow seeds in spring (March to May). Cover them lightly with vermiculite or compost (about 5mm deep). They germinate best at around 15-20°C. Germination usually takes 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
Because of that long taproot, Fennel hates having its roots disturbed. The best method is to sow direct into the garden soil where you want it to grow. If you must start indoors, use deep modules (root trainers) or fibre pots that can be planted whole, and plant them out while they are still small.

Care While Growing:
Give it a sunny spot. It thrives in well-drained soil and is incredibly drought tolerant once established. If you don't want it to take over your garden, simply cut off the flower heads before they turn into brown seeds in autumn.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if this bronze giant is the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Bronze Fennel is a "see-through" plant, so it looks amazing when mixed with other airy, tall plants. Here are my top pairings from the shop:

• 💜 Verbena bonariensis: The classic designer combination. The tall, thin purple stems of Verbena look incredible weaving through the bronze fog of the Fennel. Both are loved by pollinators.
• ☁️ Ammi majus (Bishop's Flower): Combining the white lace of Ammi with the yellow-bronze of Fennel creates a sophisticated, naturalistic meadow look that is very trendy right now.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in spring. Foliage looks good from late spring; flowers appear in late summer.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)