How to Harvest Fennel Bulbs & Seeds

Harvesting Fennel Bulbs

• 1

  Check your fennel bulbs each day. As the plant grows, the bulb will break through the top of the soil. When it reaches about 3 inches in diameter -- or roughly the size of a tennis ball -- it is ready to harvest.

• 2

  Cut the top of the plant so it's even with the soil.

• 3

  Move the topsoil away from around the bulb by hand as much as possible.

• 4

  Dig around the sides of the bulb until you can get the trowel under it, being careful not to damage the bulb.

• 5

  Slice through the roots with the edge of the trowel and gently pry the bulb up out of the ground.

Harvesting Fennel Seeds from Common Fennel

• 6

  Check seed heads daily; when seed heads turn from green to brown, they are ready to harvest.

• 7

  Carefully cut the seed heads from the plant. Be careful not to knock the seeds from the heads.

• 8

  Place the seed heads in a paper bag and close the top of the bag.

• 9

  Allow the seeds to dry thoroughly, usually two to four weeks. Seeds are ready when they fall away from the head easily.

• 10

  Lay a large paper towel or tea towel on a table or counter. Separate dried seeds from the seed heads by striking the seed heads on the towel until the seeds drop off. Collect the seeds and store them in an airtight container.