Wild Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Wild Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare):  its name brings an intense, sweet scent to mind. Protagonist in many preparations and preserves, especially in the Central South of Italy. To be sown from winter to summer, it is a perennial plant that comes back to life after the winter vegetative pause.

The plant is extremely rustic, but it fears frosts. In this period it is recommended to completely trim the plant, especially if the temperatures approach to zero, it will grow back in spring.

It can reach large sizes, especially if it has good irrigation and fertile soils. To collect the seeds, the most aromatic part, (the plant is still completely edible, up to the root) it will be necessary to wait for the yellow flowers to dry and then collect the seeds, minding not to wait too long to prevent the wind from dispersing the flowers and seeds.