Myrrhis odorata
Sweet fennel
Common names: Myrrh fennel, Anise fennel
Photo: Public Domain · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Sweet fennel (Myrrhis odorata) is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family, featuring finely dissected leaves and anise‑like fragrance. It is a rare herb in which almost all parts are edible, leaves, flowers, immature green seeds, and the thick root. It begins vigorous growth early in spring, often from mid‑April, and blooms with white umbels before many other herbs. It thrives best in partial shade under light trees or on the north side of a bed, tolerating cooler, moister sites well.
Care instructions
Plant Sweet fennel in humus‑rich, moderately moist soil in partial shade; a sunny to light‑shaded spot under fruit trees also works. Allow the root ball some space, 50 to 60 cm between plants, to prevent later transplanting. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in the first year, but avoid waterlogging. After flowering in early summer (around the end of June), cut back the plant before seed maturity to keep it compact and encourage new leaf growth. As a hardy perennial, it requires no special winter protection and reliably regrows each year.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
humus-rich, moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich
Feeding
Medium feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)
Umbellifers and alliums confuse each other's pests (carrot fly, onion fly).
For example GarlicOnionLeekChivesDaffodilRocambole and 12 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
daisy family (Asteraceae)
Calendula and Tagetes next to carrots keep the carrot fly away with their scent.
For example Head lettuceTagetes patulaCalendulaSunflowerCommon coneflowerFall Aster and 57 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
cabbage family (Brassicaceae)
You can pair celery and dill with all Brassicaceae because they repel the cabbage whitefly with their scent, a proven companion.
For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue
Source: Bio-Gärtnerei Mixed-culture Practice
legume family (Fabaceae)
Peas and beans provide carrot and celery with nitrogen and grow as shallow-rooted plants without competition next to each other.
For example PeaBush beanPole beanBroad beanMarker peaSugar pea and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
Notes from real gardens
What other gardeners have written down about this variety, anonymous and voluntary.
No notes shared yet. Will you be the first to write one down?