Montebianco Fennel Seeds

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Seeds of a variety with a very white, round bulb up to 500-600 g, thick fleshy sheaths, very crisp and low in fiber.

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Montebianco fennel

The Montebianco fennel is a variety known for its very white bulb, which can reach a weight of 500-600 grams. It has a round shape, with wrapping, thick, fleshy and very crisp sheaths, characterized by reduced fibrousness compared to many other traditional varieties.

The Montebianco fennel plant

This is a herbaceous plant (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum) of the Apiaceae family, with wide, fleshy leaf sheaths overlapping to form the characteristic bulb at the base and an upright, hollow stem with thin, finely divided leaves. Montebianco has a mid-late growing cycle, about 90-110 days from sowing to harvest, the time needed for a large-sized bulb to develop.

The mature bulb stands out for its very white, almost pristine color, and for its thick, fleshy sheaths that, despite their generous size, remain very crisp and low in fiber when cut.

How to sow Montebianco fennel

Sowing takes place from late June to early August depending on the climate zone, 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. Given the mid-late cycle, it's important to sow with some lead time to ensure the bulb has enough time to fully develop before autumn cold sets in.

How to grow Montebianco fennel

Montebianco 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: given the large size of the bulb, soft, well-worked soil is especially important for regular development.

Wider spacing than smaller varieties should be ensured, about 30-35 cm along the row and 30 cm between rows, to leave enough room for the bulb to reach its characteristic size. Watering must be regular and generous during bulb swelling.

Tips for growing Montebianco fennel

Periodic earthing up of the base is especially important for this variety, to maintain the bulb's characteristic very white color by protecting it from direct light. Given the large size reached, it's helpful to support the most developed plants to prevent the bulb's weight from bending them over.

Diseases and pests of Montebianco 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, favored by the wider spacing required for this variety, naturally helps contain these fungal issues.

Properties of Montebianco fennel

The bulb of Montebianco 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, especially concentrated in large-sized bulbs.

Nutritional values of Montebianco 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