Top 20 Varieties of Florence Fennel to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Florence fennel, also known as finocchio, is prized for its crisp, sweet bulb that has a mild anise-like flavor. Both the bulb and feathery leaves can be used in cooking, making it a versatile addition to the garden. Florence fennel is used in fresh salads, roasted dishes, and braised meals, adding a distinctive flavor to many recipes. Growing Florence fennel requires cool temperatures and consistent moisture to produce large, tender bulbs. Here’s your guide to the top 20 Florence fennel varieties to grow, along with tips, facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Florence Fennel Varieties to Grow

1. Zefa Fino

Tips: Zefa Fino grows best in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the bulbs tender and avoid bolting.
Facts: This slow-bolting variety produces large, tender bulbs with a sweet, mild flavor. It matures in about 75-80 days and is perfect for fresh eating, roasting, or grilling.

2. Orion

Tips: Orion thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure even bulb development.
Facts: This hybrid variety is known for its large, uniform bulbs with a crisp, sweet flavor. It matures in about 80 days and is ideal for fresh salads, roasting, or cooking.

3. Florence

Tips: Florence prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage large, tender bulbs.
Facts: This classic variety produces large, crisp bulbs with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 80-90 days and is perfect for fresh eating, braising, or roasting.

4. Selma Fino

Tips: Selma Fino grows well in full sun with regular watering. Mulch to retain moisture and keep the bulbs tender.
Facts: This slow-bolting variety produces large, sweet bulbs in about 75-80 days. It’s perfect for fresh eating, soups, or roasting.

5. Romanesco

Tips: Romanesco thrives in full sun with rich, moist soil. Water regularly to ensure large, crisp bulbs.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces large, flavorful bulbs with a slightly nutty taste. It matures in about 85 days and is perfect for fresh salads or roasting.

6. Cantino

Tips: Cantino grows best in full sun and fertile soil. Water consistently to keep the bulbs tender and prevent bolting.
Facts: Known for its slow-bolting traits, Cantino produces large, tender bulbs with a mild flavor. It matures in about 75-80 days and is perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

7. Di Firenze

Tips: Di Firenze prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote even bulb development.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces crisp, sweet bulbs in about 80-85 days. It’s great for fresh salads, soups, or roasting.

8. Sweet Florence

Tips: Sweet Florence grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure large, crisp bulbs.
Facts: Known for its tender, sweet bulbs, Sweet Florence matures in about 80-90 days and is perfect for grilling, roasting, or adding to fresh salads.

9. Trieste

Tips: Trieste thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the bulbs tender and reduce bolting.
Facts: This variety produces large, sweet bulbs with a crisp texture and mild flavor. It matures in about 80-85 days and is ideal for fresh eating or roasting.

10. Preludio

Tips: Preludio grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to prevent bolting and ensure tender bulbs.
Facts: This slow-bolting variety produces large, flavorful bulbs in about 75-80 days. It’s great for fresh eating, grilling, or roasting.

11. Gigante di Napoli

Tips: Gigante di Napoli thrives in full sun with fertile soil. Water consistently to ensure large, crisp bulbs.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces extra-large bulbs with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 85 days and is perfect for fresh eating or roasting.

12. Antares

Tips: Antares prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the bulbs tender and crisp.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces large, uniform bulbs with a sweet, mild flavor. It matures in about 80-85 days and is great for fresh salads or roasting.

13. Pollux

Tips: Pollux grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water consistently to promote even bulb development.
Facts: Known for its large, tender bulbs, Pollux matures in about 80-85 days and has a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

14. Montebianco

Tips: Montebianco prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure large, tender bulbs.
Facts: This variety produces crisp, sweet bulbs in about 85 days and is ideal for fresh eating, roasting, or grilling.

15. Di Parma

Tips: Di Parma thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent bolting and promote large bulbs.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces large, sweet bulbs with a tender texture. It matures in about 80-85 days and is perfect for fresh salads or roasting.

16. Supremo

Tips: Supremo grows well in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to ensure large, crisp bulbs.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces tender, sweet bulbs with a mild flavor. It matures in about 80-85 days and is perfect for fresh eating, grilling, or roasting.

17. Magnifico

Tips: Magnifico thrives in full sun and fertile soil. Water regularly to keep the bulbs tender and prevent bolting.
Facts: This variety produces large, flavorful bulbs with a sweet, mild taste. It matures in about 80 days and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

18. Victorio

Tips: Victorio grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water consistently to ensure even bulb development.
Facts: This variety produces large, crisp bulbs with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 80-85 days and is great for fresh salads or roasting.

19. Pollux Giant

Tips: Pollux Giant thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure large, tender bulbs.
Facts: This variety produces extra-large, tender bulbs with a sweet, mild flavor. It matures in about 85 days and is ideal for fresh eating or grilling.

20. Grosso di Sicilia

Tips: Grosso di Sicilia prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the bulbs tender and sweet.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces large, crisp bulbs with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 80-85 days and is perfect for fresh salads or roasting.

Common Questions About Growing Florence Fennel

Q: When should I plant Florence fennel?
A: Florence fennel is a cool-season crop and should be planted in early spring or late summer for fall harvests. It grows best in temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C).

Q: Can I grow Florence fennel in containers?
A: Yes, Florence fennel can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 12-18 inches deep and wide, with good drainage. Choose compact varieties like ‘Zefa Fino’ or ‘Orion’ for container gardening.

Q: How long does Florence fennel take to grow?
A: Florence fennel typically takes 75-90 days to mature, depending on the variety. Early-maturing varieties like ‘Selma Fino’ may be ready in about 75 days, while larger types like ‘Florence’ may take up to 90 days.

Q: How do I know when Florence fennel is ready to harvest?
A: Florence fennel is ready to harvest when the bulbs are about 3-4 inches in diameter. Cut the bulb at the base, just above the soil line, leaving the roots in place if you want to regrow the plant.

Q: How do I store harvested Florence fennel?
A: Freshly harvested Florence fennel bulbs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, wrap the bulbs in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag.