Short answer: soak 20 to 30 g of fennel seed for 4 to 6 hours (optional). Spread it on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist soil, cover it, and keep it dark for 3 to 4 days. Uncover, give bright light, and water from below. Cut at 10 to 14 days.
What are fennel microgreens?
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is the plant behind fennel bulbs and fennel seed. As microgreens, it grows long seed leaves and then fine, feathery true leaves. Sprouting.com gives fennel 10 to 14 days with an optional 4 to 6 hour soak.1
How to grow fennel microgreens
- Day0
Soak (optional)
Soak the seed for 4 to 6 hours. Drain.
- Day0
Sow
Spread the seed over 1 inch of moist potting mix and press it in.
- Day0–4
Blackout
Cover and mist daily.
- Day4
Light
Uncover once most seeds are up. Give bright light.
- Day10–14
Harvest
Cut above the soil when the feathery leaves appear.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven sprouting | No soak, seed dried out | Soak first, mist during blackout |
| Husks on leaves | Normal | Mist and brush off |
| Leggy | Low light | More light after uncovering |
Tips for growing fennel microgreens
- Soak 4 to 6 hours if you can. It isn't required but gives a more even tray.
- Sow 20 to 30 g per 10 × 20 inch tray.
- Press the seed in and keep it damp during the 3 to 4 day blackout.
- Give bright light after uncovering so the feathery leaves grow upright.
- Harvest before the stems get stringy, usually by day 14.
Fennel microgreens vs fennel fronds
Fennel fronds come from the top of a grown fennel bulb and have a stronger anise flavour. Fennel microgreens are younger, sweeter and more tender. You can use them the same way: on fish, in salads and as a garnish.
How to eat fennel microgreens
- Fish and seafood: salmon, white fish, shrimp and mussels.
- Citrus salads: see fennel orange salad.
- Pork: on roast pork or sausage.
- Roast vegetables: carrots, squash and potatoes.
- Soups: on creamy potato or leek soup.
Fennel pairs well with dill and chervil in a mixed herb garnish.
Storing and eating
Use within 5 days. Fennel microgreens are great on grilled fish, citrus salads and pork. Try them in fennel orange salad.
Recipes with fennel
Fennel FAQ
What do fennel microgreens taste like?
Sweet and anise-like, a gentle licorice flavour. They're milder than mature fennel fronds.
How long do fennel microgreens take?
About 10 to 14 days. An optional 4 to 6 hour soak helps the seed sprout more evenly.
What goes with fennel microgreens?
Fish and seafood, citrus salads, pork, roast vegetables and creamy soups.
Can I use fennel seed from the spice rack?
It's better to use seed sold for sprouting or microgreens. Spice seed may be old, heat-treated or not handled for growing.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
Sources
- Sprouting.com (Mumm's Sprouting Seeds). Product pages: days to sprout, soak time and yield for each seed. Link
