Ferula anatolica Seeds | Anatolian Giant Fennel
LATIN NAME: Ferula anatolica
COMMON NAME: Anatolian Giant Fennel
Plant Profile
Anatolian Giant Fennel (Ferula anatolica) is a distinctive species in the carrot family. The Anatolian giant fennel scepters stout, upright stems with large, finely divided leaves and tall, rounded heads of small, yellow flowers that open through early summer, the whole plant rising like the giant candelabra above the dry hills. It likes sun, and light, well-drained soil. Add these qualities together and you have a species well worth a place in the garden.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the carrot family, Ferula anatolica is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. In carrot family, ferulas have a long, resinous record in studies of giant umbellifers and aromatic plants, and the Anatolian species appears in research on resin chemistry and dry-hill growth. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Anatolian Giant Fennel earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. In dry, sunny garden, the Anatolian giant fennel rises tall and dries beautiful. Candelabra heads of yellow flowers draw bees and beetles, resinous roots have served traditional preparations for generations, and dried stems stand as striking features through the winter. It grows well in light, well-drained, sunny ground. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Ferula gives asafoetida, the pungent resin spice essential to Indian cooking and a classical digestive for gas and bloating; the giant ornamental species are dramatic garden subjects.
Growing from Seed
Raising Anatolian Giant Fennel from seed is straightforward. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
Anatolian Giant Fennel repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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