Thank you for your interest in herb plants from MeadowSweet Herbs & Flowers. I've closed plant and seed order processing for 2024. Online orders for plants and seeds will re-open on Monday 6 January for shipping from the next Tuesday, 14 January.
If you are interested in my Mini Grow & Use Guides, please email me for processing at minette@tonoli.co.nz during the shop's vacation dates.
The gates sales table plant stand is always open and up and running, so feel free to pop past if you are in the Rangiora/Waikuku area to see a selection of the plants (not all plants in my inventory is available outside - if you want to come past for something specific, text me and we can see what we can work out: 0225251177).
~~*\//\//*~~~Happy Festivities! ~~~*\//\//*~~
In Stock
Fennel – Florence
$6.50
An EVERGREEN PERENNIAL growing to 1.5m with beautiful fine feathery green and light-green leaves, and umbels of yellow flowers. Florence Fennel is known and sought after for its swollen stem base. Prefers well-drained soil and a full sun position. I can tolerate some drought and strong winds.
All parts of the plant is edible – leaves, stems, root and seed. It is widely used as a domestic herbal medicine for various complaints.
Swollen stem bases are considered gourmet and eaten raw or cooked and has a lovely strong aniseed flavour. Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and has a delicious liquorice/aniseed flavour.
Leaf stalks and flower heads can also be eaten raw or cooked and has a similar flavour to the leaves. The seeds are very aromatic and are used in cakes, curries, stuffings etc. Sprouted seeds can be added to salads. Fennel root is cooked somewhat like parsnips. A flavoursome tea is made from the seeds.
With an impresive list of medicinal actions including antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, expectorant and stimulant, Fennel is useful in a variety of complaints. Particularly good for settling the digestive system – especially the seeds. Gargle for sore throats or wash sore eyes with a mild infusion. Safe and effective cure for wind in babies. It is also effective for coughing and bronchitis.
The plant has been used as a home remedy against fleas (crushed leaves). Yellow and brown dyes are obtained from the flowers and leaves combined. Fennel is said to be alelopathic and may inhibit the growth of other plants around it.
