Quick facts
| Arabic name | الشمر (الشمار) |
|---|---|
| English name | Fennel |
| Scientific name | Foeniculum vulgare |
| Family | Carrot family (Apiaceae) |
| Plant type | Perennial aromatic herb |
| Height | 1 to 2 m |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to November
Harvest time
March to May
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Hollow green stems, soft thread-like feathery leaves, small yellow flowers in umbrellas and long striped seeds.
Where it grows
Grows in valleys and mountain terraces and is planted in gardens and farms.
Soil
Handles poor and chalky soil if drainage is good.
Water and irrigation
Handles drought once established.
Climate and light
Likes sun and mild weather.
Propagation
By seed.
Benefits and uses
- Seeds make a drink that helps digestion
- Leaves and swollen base are edible
- Flowers attract helpful insects
- Handles drought
Drawbacks
- Spreads itself by seed
- Slows the growth of some nearby plants
- Can cause allergy in some people
Important notes
Do not give fennel tea to babies without a doctor’s advice.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Foeniculum vulgare
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Foeniculum vulgare
- Wikipedia: Fennel
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Plant finder
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)