- You will get 480 Seeds of Florence Fennel Heirloom Garden Herb Seeds. - Sunlight: Full Sun. - Life Cycle: Perennial. - Watering: Medium. - Florence Fennel Seeds. - Florence Fennel, a native of Italy, is sometimes known by its Italian name finnochio. For bulk orders, contact us. - Seen in markets labeled (although inaccurately) sweet anise. It's a perennial vegetable plant in most zones that actually provides one vegetable, an herb and two spices. Foeniculum vulgare Azoricum as a vegetable uses the plant's spreading bulbous base, with a texture much like celery, but with a subtle anise flavor that comes from anethole, an aromatic compound also found in anise and star anise. The feathery fronds have a dill-like flavor, and are used to perfume fish and soups, and the stronger and aromatic fennel seeds and pollen are used in many cuisines around the world. Some fennel types can grow 4-5 feet high, with the smaller Florence variety at about 1-1.5 feet. - Cover the seeds with 1/8-1/2” of soil. They will take about 7-10 days to emerge. To improve germination, try soaking and pre-sprouting the seed for several days. Bulb fennel can be sown outdoors as early as 2-5 weeks before the average last frost date in spring, but when the danger of hard frost (28°F) is over. - Microgreens growing instructions: this is not the only way to do microgreens, everyone will acquire their own techniques, but here are the basics: - Cover the bottom of the container with an inch or two of moistened potting soil/mix or coir. Flatten and level it with your hand or a small piece of cardboard, taking care not to over-compress the soil. Scatter seeds evenly on top of the soil. Press gently into the soil using your hand or the cardboard. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Dampen the surface with a mister. If you prefer, you can skip this step and instead cover the container with a clear lid or plastic wrap until the seeds are sprouted. While waiting for sprouts to appear, usually within three to seven days, use the mister once or twice daily to keep the soil moist but not wet. Once seeds have sprouted, remove the cover (if you've used one) and continue to mist once or twice a day. Microgreens need about four hours daily of direct sunlight to thrive (south facing window). In winter months, some may need even more. Leggy, pale greens are a sign of not enough sunlight. Light needs can also be satisfied with a grow light that has a low heat output — you don't want to scorch your delicate greens. Microgreens will be ready to harvest about two to three weeks after planting. Look for the first set of "true leaves" as a sign of readiness. Then grab your scissors and snip the greens just above the soil line. To serve, wash the microgreens with water and dry with paper towels or a salad spinner. Harvest and serve them immediately for the freshest flavor, and add to soups, salads, sandwiches or main dishes. Store remaining cut microgreens in a plastic bag in your refrigerator.