Mr Fothergill's Fennel Seeds, Mild aniseed flavour, great garnish. The foliage is delicious added to salads, seeds can be used in pickles and sauces. Stems can be cooked or eaten raw, much like celery.

Sow outdoors thinly where they are to crop, 1.5cm deep directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Seedlings usually appear in 7-21 days. Thin to 30cm apart. Water well until plants are established. Keep moist and weed free. If desired, plants can be kept smaller by pinching back regularly. Pick leaves and stems as required. Harvest ripe seeds once they have turned brown.

• A hardy perennial, can be grown in pots
• Tasty leaves, seeds and stems can all be harvested
• Leaves have mild flavour. Stems and seeds are stronger

Sow time: Mar-May
Flowering/Harvesting time: Jun-Oct