Apiaceae
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel · Shamari
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Fennel is a hardy, aromatic perennial herb, often cultivated as an annual, reaching up to 2.1 metres tall with hollow, glaucous green stems. It features finely dissected, feathery leaves with an anise or liquorice scent, and produces tiny yellow flowers in terminal compound umbels. Indigenous to the Mediterranean, it is now widely naturalised, growing in dry soils near coastlines and on riverbanks. The bulb, foliage, and seeds are all edible and commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine.
Where it works in Kilifi
This plant thrives in full sun and prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil, though it tolerates clay and sandy conditions. It is suitable for open fields, kitchen gardens, raised beds, and containers, with recommended spacing of 30-45 cm between plants. Given its prevalence in coastal areas and its reported invasiveness in Kenya, careful placement is advised to manage its spread.
Growing notes
Fennel germinates in 7-14 days and once established, it is drought-tolerant, requiring regular watering but allowing the soil to dry partially between waterings. As a short-lived perennial, it can freely self-seed and become naturalised; remove spent flowering stems to prevent unwanted spread. Watch for aphids and slugs, and ensure good drainage to prevent stem and root rot.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, gbif.org, ncsu.edu, lincolnswcd.org, mccormickscienceinstitute.com, eattheweeds.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.