Tigger's Green Paw
Fennel

Animal Safety: Dogs: Yes  Cats: In Moderation  Rabbits: Yes

Cats do not get the same level of nutrients as dogs and rabbits.
Too much fennel can cause bloat in cats.

Lifespan:
Fennel is a perennial and is also a self seeder, so will spread if allowed to.
It can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Fennel can grow up to 6 feet tall. The leaves have a feathery appearance.
Fennel produces a large white root.
All parts of the fennel plant are edible.

Harvest:
It is possible to harvest fennel around 90 days after sewing the seeds.
Fennel leaves can be can be picked at any time, regularly to encourage re-growth.

Once it reaches a tennis ball size it can be harvested, usually around August to October.
It is harvested by cutting at the base and then removing the leaves.
Fennel seeds can be harvested once it has flowered and the seed heads have formed.
Fennel can be eaten raw, cooked and can be added into soups.

History:
Fennel dates back to at least 2000BC.
It is a vegetable with a liquorice taste. It originated in the Mediterranean, where wild fennel still grows.

It was probably first cultivated in Greece or Italy and was used for both medicinal and culinary purposes.

The introduction of Fennel to the UK can be traced back to the Ancient Romans.