Fennel

Also called Florence Fennel or Finuccio, is easy to grow and very hardy surviving in your garden, well after the first frost. With bright green, fern-like leaves and aromatic yellow flowers, this plant will grow three to four feet tall. Plant it in the back of the herb garden, or in your vegetable garden.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 10

CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water regularly.

FERTILIZER: Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.

MEDICINAL BENEFITS/APPLICATIONS: Fennel is used for various digestive problems including heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating, loss of appetite, and colic in infants. It is also used for upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, bronchitis, cholera, backache, bedwetting, and visual problems.

SOIL: Use rich, well drained soil.

DISEASE: Disease problems are uncommon with this plant.