Orbit Mid-Early Fennel Seeds

• Orbit mid-early fennel
• The Orbit mid-early fennel plant
• How to sow Orbit mid-early fennel
• How to grow Orbit mid-early fennel
• Tips for growing Orbit mid-early fennel
• Diseases and pests of Orbit mid-early fennel
• Properties of Orbit mid-early fennel
• Nutritional values of Orbit mid-early fennel (per 100 g)

Orbit mid-early fennel

The Orbit mid-early fennel is a mid-early cycle hybrid variety, similar in setup to Orion but selected for a bulb with a particularly regular and compact shape. It's appreciated by those seeking a good balance between short harvest times and consistent quality yield.

The Orbit mid-early fennel plant

This is a herbaceous plant (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum) of the Apiaceae family, with fleshy leaf sheaths overlapping to form the bulb at the base, an upright hollow stem and thin, finely divided, deep green leaves. Orbit stands out for good vegetative vigor and fairly uniform development among plants from the same sowing, useful for more even harvests.

The mature bulb is round, compact and tightly formed, bright white in color, with crisp, low-fiber sheaths suitable for both raw and cooked consumption.

How to sow Orbit mid-early fennel

Sowing generally takes place from July, in a seedbed or directly in open field, with minimum temperatures stably above 14°C. Seeds should be buried about 1-1.5 cm deep. The mid-early cycle allows sowings to be staggered over a wider period, spreading harvests more evenly through the season.

How to grow Orbit mid-early fennel

Orbit fennel prefers a temperate climate, with sunny exposure and an optimal temperature around 20°C. The ideal soil is fertile, rich in organic matter, well-draining and medium-textured: in overly compact soils the bulb tends to protrude and turn green, losing commercial quality.

Spacing of about 20-30 cm along the row and 25 cm between rows should be maintained. Watering must be managed regularly, avoiding both prolonged drought and waterlogging, both harmful to proper bulb formation.

Tips for growing Orbit mid-early fennel

Periodically earthing up the base of the plants promotes blanching of the bulb and improves its commercial appearance, protecting it from direct sun exposure. Given the variety's uniform development, harvests can be planned fairly close together in time, useful for those managing small home gardens.

Diseases and pests of Orbit mid-early fennel

Common leaf diseases include septoria and cercospora, responsible for necrotic spots on the leaves, and powdery mildew, recognizable by its typical white powdery coating. Good airflow between plants, ensured by adequate spacing, helps limit the onset of these fungal diseases.

Properties of Orbit mid-early fennel

The bulb of Orbit fennel is rich in water and fiber, with a low calorie content that makes it suitable for light, balanced diets. It contains potassium, important for the body's fluid and mineral balance, and the typical aromatic compounds of fennel, known for their digestive and carminative properties.

Nutritional values of Orbit mid-early fennel (per 100 g)

• Calories: 31 kcal
• Protein: 1.2 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 7.3 g
• Fiber: 3.1 g
• Vitamin C: 12 mg
• Potassium: 414 mg