Cultivation Techniques of Bulbous Fennel

Bulbous fennel, commonly known as fennel, is a variety of the fennel plant belonging to the Umbelliferae family. Native to southern Italy, it is mainly found along the Mediterranean coast and in West Asia. Although originally an imported plant in China, bulbous fennel has gained popularity in recent years, especially in certain regions like Chuanshui townships. The plant is characterized by its swollen, crisp "bulb" formed from tightly packed leaf sheaths, which is ideal for use in salads, stir-fries, or as a crunchy garnish. Its tender leaves are often used for stuffing, seasoning, or decorating dishes. The stems and leaves have a distinct aromatic flavor that can stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and provide warmth to the stomach. Rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, this vegetable is both nutritious and versatile. In terms of growth characteristics, bulbous fennel has a shallow root system with many fine roots, typically growing within 7–10 cm of the soil surface. It features a short stem, called a "bollet," which is about 10 cm in height and 6 cm in thickness. The leaves are deeply lobed and filiform, while the flowers are golden yellow, forming compound umbels. The double fruits are long and oval, with a gray color and seeds weighing around 3 grams. This plant is highly adaptable, tolerating both cold and heat, and grows quickly with a high yield—up to 8,000 kg per acre. With a fertility period of about 50 days, it is well-suited for greenhouse cultivation, particularly in autumn and winter, where it requires less strict temperature and light conditions. Due to its low risk and high productivity, it's becoming a popular choice for rural farmers. There are two main types of bulbous fennel: the shallow spherical type and the round spherical type. The shallow spherical type has green leaves, a vigorous plant, and a flattened bulb base with pale green outer sheaths. These bulbs are smaller, weighing 300–500 grams each, and are suitable for close planting in both open fields and greenhouses. Varieties from the Netherlands and Italy fall into this category. The round spherical type, on the other hand, has compact, white bulbs that resemble fists. These bulbs are larger, weighing 500–1000 grams, and are best suited for greenhouse planting with moderate spacing. The French F1 variety is a notable example of this type. When selecting varieties for solar greenhouse cultivation, it's important to choose those with good appearance, strong cold and low-light tolerance, such as mid-early maturing Dutch varieties. Proper seedling preparation is crucial. The soil should be flat, well-drained, and enriched with organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer. A seedbed of 25–30 square meters per acre is needed, with 100 grams of seeds used. Sowing is usually done in mid-July for winter greenhouse cultivation. Seeds are soaked in cold water for a day before being placed in a cool place to germinate. Once sprouted, they are evenly spread on the seedbed and covered with 1 cm of fine soil, followed by shade net coverage. Seedling management involves careful watering and shading to protect young plants from high temperatures. After one week, the first watering helps ease the seedlings, and the shade net is removed. As the plants grow, additional layers of soil and proper ventilation are essential. When the seedlings reach 3–4 true leaves, they are transplanted into the field. Transplanting is done in mid-August, with decomposed manure applied before planting. The soil is prepared carefully, ensuring proper spacing (25–50 cm between rows) to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to bulb rot. Field management includes timely weeding, maintaining optimal temperatures (20–28°C during the day and 10–15°C at night), and proper irrigation. Watering should be controlled before bulb expansion and increased afterward to promote growth. Fertilization is done in three stages, starting with a biological compound fertilizer after 7–10 days of transplanting, then increasing the dose when the bulbs begin to expand. Each application is followed by thorough watering. Harvesting takes place when the bulbs weigh over 250 grams. Market timing can be adjusted based on demand, and cooling the greenhouse can delay harvest by 15–30 days. After harvesting, the roots are cut off, yellow leaves are removed, and about 5 cm of the petiole is left on the bulb for better presentation. Overall, bulbous fennel is a valuable crop that offers both economic benefits and culinary versatility.

Customized Chili Powder

Customized Chili Powder,Customized Natural Grade Fresh Paprika,Chili Crushed Customized,Individuation Chili Powder

Guizhou Guisanhong Food Co., Ltd , http://www.guisanhong.com