Microgreens
50-60days to harvest
7-12days to germinate
Z4–9USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Soak seeds 8-12 hours for better germination. Scatter on medium and press lightly. Keep covered until germination.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Keep evenly moist, mist regularly but avoid overwatering
Soil
Fine seed starting mix with good drainage
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
Dense sowing, 1-1.5 tablespoons per 10x20 tray
Height
4-6 feet
Season
Tender Perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Bright green feathery foliage
Size
8-12"
Shape
Fine, thread-like feathery leaves
Flavour
Strong anise-licorice flavor, aromatic and intense

In the kitchen

Fish dishes, Mediterranean cuisine, salads, garnishes, infused oils

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, fungus gnats (indoor growing)
Diseases
Damping-off, root rot from overwatering
Resistance
Good disease resistance when properly ventilated

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1January – December——January – December
2January – December——January – December
3January – December——January – December
4January – December——January – December
5January – December——January – December
6January – December——January – December
7January – December——January – December
8January – December——January – December
9January – December——January – December
10January – December——January – December
11January – December——January – December
12January – December——January – December
13January – December——January – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 4 to avoid.

DillBoth are umbellifer family plants that grow well together and attract beneficial insects
CilantroCompatible growth rates and both benefit from similar growing conditions
ChivesNatural pest deterrent that protects fennel microgreens from aphids and fungus gnats
LettuceShallow roots don't compete and fennel's aromatic oils may deter lettuce pests
SpinachSimilar water and light requirements, spinach benefits from fennel's pest-repelling properties
ArugulaFast-growing brassica that pairs well with fennel's growth cycle and pest protection
ParsleyFellow umbellifer that thrives in similar conditions and attracts beneficial predatory insects
Radish MicrogreensQuick germination companion that helps break soil crust and deters root maggots

Avoid

TomatoFennel's allelopathic compounds inhibit tomato growth and development
Bean SproutsFennel compounds can stunt legume growth and interfere with nitrogen fixation
CarrotDespite being related, fennel can inhibit carrot seed germination and root development
KohlrabiFennel's allelopathic effects particularly suppress brassica root vegetables

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
69
Protein (g)
1.5
Fat (g)
0.1
Carbohydrate (g)
17.6
Fibre (g)
5.3
Sugars (g)
8.55
Vitamin A (µg)
5
Vitamin C (mg)
54.1
Calcium (mg)
8
Iron (mg)
1.61
Magnesium (mg)
24
Phosphorus (mg)
47
Potassium (mg)
304
Zinc (mg)
0.31

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the microgreens growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Fennel Microgreens?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other microgreens with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Fennel Microgreens suits these too.

Browse all 57 microgreens