Fennel Finocchio Mantovano,

Fennel Finocchio Mantovano. One of the larger fennels, this one has a round very white bulb. Earlier than most fennels. A superior bulbing/Florence fennel  Bulbs mature in about 75 days from spring sowing but can also be summer planted for fall harvest. Bulbs hold in the field for weeks – they seem to just get fatter the longer they are in the ground. Mantovano is great when young and tender, but we really like it at its full-grown size when we cook it in just about everything: It may be blasphemous to some but fennel can be a fun substitute for onions in many dishes.  Very sweet with a nice texture. 75-85 Days. Does best in fall. Best grown from direct seeding (2-3 seeds every six to eight inches, thin to one), although you can transplant if you are careful not to disturb the roots. Provide a constant source of moisture. Make sure to harvest some small ones; they are even sweeter and more tender.