In Greek myth, humans receive the gift of fire from Prometheus, who uses a dried fennel stalk to conceal an ember from Mount Olympus. We see hints of this fire in Bronze Fennel’s appearance: the fine, feathery leaves have a ruddy, purplish hue and create a soft, smoky effect in the garden. Bright yellow blooms appear at maturity, attracting swallowtail butterflies and other pollinators. Enjoy this variety as an ornamental or harvest the fragrant leaves and sweet, anise-flavored seeds for meals. It grows quickly, spreads easily, and self-sows. This is not a fennel for bulb production; harvest the leaves and chop them finely for tossing fresh atop a finished dish, like parsley.
