Fenouil <p>"Montebianco" </p>

Overview

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.

Key Features

• Stunning White Bulbs: Produces heavy, thick-fleshed bulbs that stay brilliantly white, offering a professional, "gourmet" look to your vegetable harvest.
• Delicate Aniseed Flavor: Offers a sweet, mild flavor that is far more nuanced than store-bought fennel, becoming deliciously buttery and mellow when cooked.
• Tender & Stringless: Known for its succulent, non-woody flesh, allowing you to use the entire bulb with minimal waste.
• Dual-Purpose Harvest: While the bulb is the star, the feathery, fern-like fronds can be harvested as a fresh herb to garnish fish, salads, or soups.

Gardener's Tip

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.

Specifications