Fennel / Saunf (Variyāḷī)

Foeniculum vulgare

North Gujarat (Mehsana, Patan, Banaskantha) is the premium hub for green and chewing fennel. Sensitive to frost and continuous cloudy spells during flowering.

Optimal Temperature

15°C - 28°C

Ideal Soil Moisture

35% - 55%

Daily Sunlight

7+ Hours/day

Growth Cycle

140 - 170 days

Soil Type & Fertilizer Ratios

Recommended Soil:

Rich, fertile loamy soil or deep black soil with good water retention and drainage.

Recommended NPK Ratio:90:45:0 kg/ha

Irrigation Scheduling & Water Requirements

Irrigate at 12-15 day intervals. Essential irrigation during umbel flowering and seed filling.

Common Pests & Disease Vulnerabilities

Ramularia Blight
Powdery Mildew
Aphids
Root Rot

Optimal Harvesting Signs & Post-Harvest Handling

For chewing table saunf, harvest umbels 30-40 days after flowering when seeds are bright green; for spice seeds, when umbels turn brownish.