Fennel Leaf Seeds

Leaf fennel is a different crop from bulbing Florence fennel. It's grown for its feathery, anise-flavored foliage and seeds instead of a swollen base. The fronds add a sweet licorice note to fish, salads, and pickles, and the yellow flower umbels draw in beneficial insects. Bronze leaf fennel has smoky, coppery foliage that's lovely in borders and as a cut-flower filler. Grosfruchtiger is a green type with large seeds for culinary use. Plants grow 4 to 5 ft. tall. Keep fennel away from dill, since the two cross easily.