Fennel is a stout and aromatic plant crop which is commercially cultivated as annual herb.

It is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves.

The major Fennel growing areas in India are Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Haryana.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Apiales
• Family: Apiaceae
• Genus: Foeniculum
• Species: vulgare

• Leaves and stalks of Fennel are used for garnishing of food and salads.
• Fennel seeds are used as a flavoring agent in food.

Cool and dry climate is best for Fennel cultivation

Dry and cool weather during the seed set increases seed yield as well as the quality of the produce.

Well drained loamy soil or black or sandy soil rich in organic matter is suitable for Fennel cultivation.

Season for Fennel cultivation is from May-June in the hills and October-November in the plains

Proper drainage is also an important requisite for commercial cultivation of Fennel crop.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Aphids, Thrips, Leaf Eating Caterpillar, Cutworm and Cigarette Beetle
  • Major Diseases: Cercospora Leaf Blight, Leaf Spot, Wilt, Powdery Mildew and Collar Rot.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Chilling injury
  • Chlorosis
  • Stunted growth
  • Scorching