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~ FENNEL Seed (FLORENCE TYPE) ~ 'Colossal' Fennel We have tried other varieties over the years, but are sticking with this one because it's just great. No point in change just for the sake of it! In our experience, perhaps 'colossal' is a little optimistic, but this strain of bulb (florence) fennel grows well, forming a really nice big white bulb with less tendency to bolt than other varieties that we have tried. Best planted in mid summer for an autumn crop, but has also grown fine for us earlier in the year. This has always done particularly well for us, despite alternating drought and downpours last summer. Good for salads or cooking. Sow after mid-summer for autumn harvest Order FeCO - 250 seed £1.64 'Mantovano' Spring-sowable Fennel Fennel is normally sown in mid-summer, as it tends to bolt (go straight to seed) if planted in Spring. But this new Italian variety was particularly bred to be also suitable for sowing in late spring (harvest July onwards), with strong bolt resistance. It produces a nice white bulb, with a slightly flattened shape. We first offered it in 2004 and have had a lot of positive reports back from people (and no complaints!). We'd still be interested in hearing how you get on with it; feedback (both good and bad!) is really important for us to make this catalogue a list of 'the best of the best'. Order FeMA - 250 seed £1.49 When? Bolt resistant, particularly worth trying for spring sowing, with a summer harvest, but you can also sow after mid-summer as usual as well.