AUTUMN BEAUTY

AUTUMN BEAUTY is an early-maturing fennel variety, reaching a height of 1.5–1.8 m. It features a robust, highly branched stem and large, deeply cut leaves. The leaves are dark green, possessing a delicate, less pungent aroma reminiscent of anise, while retaining the characteristic slightly sweet scent of fennel. The plant grows quickly: it takes 35–40 days from germination to the start of green harvesting, and 37–40 days from germination to technical maturity.

Green harvesting is carried out before the onset of flowering, usually in April. The yield is 1–1.5 t/ha (or 1–1.2 kg/m²), making it valuable for both home use and commercial production. The leaves contain a high amount of vitamin C (50–90 mg%), carotene (6–10 mg), and other B-group vitamins, as well as essential oils, which impart antimicrobial, cholagogue, and antispasmodic properties to the product.

Fennel has diverse applications: the greens are used fresh or dried as a spicy aromatic additive to soups, meat, fish, and vegetable dishes; the fruits are used for canning and baking. Seeds are used for medicinal purposes, as well as for flavoring beverages and confectionery. Fennel prefers loose, light, fertile soil in a sunny open area; sowing is done directly at the end of April–beginning of May at a depth of 1–1.5 cm. The plant is resistant to diseases and grows well at temperatures of 16–18 °C.