New product
Seeds of an early hybrid variety, very slow to bolt. Bright white, round, compact bulb, ideal for summer harvest.
100 Item Items
Warning: Last items in stock!
Availability date:
The Rondo early fennel is an early-cycle hybrid variety, particularly appreciated for being very slow to bolt: a trait that allows harvesting bright white, round bulbs in the height of summer, extending the harvest window compared to varieties more sensitive to heat.
This is a herbaceous plant (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum) of the Apiaceae family, with wide, fleshy leaf sheaths overlapping to form the bulb at the base and an upright, hollow stem with finely divided, thin leaves. Rondo, also known as summer fennel, stands out for its remarkable resistance to bolting even at high temperatures, a condition that normally speeds up flowering in other varieties.
The mature bulb is round, compact, bright white in color, with crisp, juicy sheaths ideal for both raw consumption in salads and cooking.
Sowing takes place from late June to early July, directly in open field or in a seedbed, once minimum temperatures are stably above 14°C. Seeds should be buried about 1-1.5 cm deep. Thanks to its bolting resistance, this variety also tolerates slightly delayed sowing compared to other early varieties, with germination within 10-15 days.
Rondo fennel prefers a warm, sunny climate, with an optimal temperature around 20-22°C, and tolerates summer heat peaks well thanks to its slowness to flower. The ideal soil is fertile, rich in organic matter, well-draining and medium-textured, conditions that favor a compact, well-formed bulb.
Spacing of about 20-30 cm along the row and 25 cm between rows should be maintained, with regular watering especially in the hottest months to prevent the bulb from becoming fibrous. Periodically earthing up the base promotes blanching and improves the quality of the product.
Given the variety's summer vocation, it's important never to let water run short during the hottest periods, when water needs increase noticeably. The bulb should be earthed up regularly to protect it from direct sun, which could otherwise harden it and turn it green and bitter.
Main leaf issues include septoria and cercospora, which cause necrotic spots, and powdery mildew, recognizable by the white powdery coating on the leaves. Good airflow between plants, achieved through correct spacing, significantly reduces the risk of these fungal diseases typical of humid months.
The bulb of Rondo fennel is rich in water and fiber, with a very low calorie content that makes it suitable for a light diet. It contains potassium, useful for fluid and mineral balance, and the typical aromatic compounds of fennel known for their digestive and carminative properties, especially welcome in summer after meals.