Florence Fennel

(Foeniculum vulgare dulce) Useful as an ornamental as well as a culinary sweet fennel. Pkt (0.2 g, 75 seeds) Biennial in zones 2-5, perennial in zones 6-10. Germination: 70°F, darkness required, 7-14 days. Direct seed. Full sun. 36-60 in. tall. Medicinal: Fennel is used as a carminative to relieve flatulence and colic while stimulating digestion. It is also anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and is similar to anise in calming bronchial coughs. It has estrogenic activity and stimulates milk flow in nursing mothers.