Fenouil

"Montebianco"

Franchi - Fennel 'Montebianco'

Fennel 'Montebianco' Seeds: The Reliable Italian Bulb

'Montebianco' is an excellent, high-quality variety of Florence Fennel (or bulb fennel), prized for its large, uniform, and reliable swollen white bulbs (or 'florence'). Unlike many other fennel varieties, 'Montebianco' is highly resistant to bolting, making it one of the best choices for the varied summer weather of the UK and Ireland. The crunchy, anise-flavoured 'bulb' is sweet and tender, perfect for slicing raw in salads, roasting, or braising. Its delicate, feathery foliage also offers a bonus harvest of edible leaves, making it a dual-purpose culinary delight.

• Flavour: Distinctive, sweet anise/liquorice flavour.

• Bolting Resistance: Excellent resistance to bolting (premature flowering).

• Dual-Use: Both the bulb and the feathery fronds are edible.

Gardener's Tip for Tender Bulbs 

To ensure your 'Montebianco' bulbs are perfectly white and tender, you must "earth up" the plants. Plant out seedlings in May/June into rich soil. When the swollen base (bulb) begins to form and reaches the size of a large hen's egg, draw soil up around the bulb's sides, covering the lower part. This process, known as blanching, excludes light and prevents the bulb from turning green and tough. Consistent watering is also vital to prevent stress that can trigger bolting.

Green's of Ireland - Online Garden Shop