Isabell,

Go downtown to Down to Earth on Olive Street. You can pick up a Territorial Seed Catalogue, look at the most extensive seed selection in Lane County and visit with a knowledgeable staff. I do not work there, but have been a customer for years. The Territorial catalogue has excellent growers information and approximate planting times.

Also, look in the phone book in the government section under county for the Extension Service. Ask to talk with a Master Gardener. They are very helpful too. The Extension Service and Master Gardener program are very active here.

Another good garden store before I forget it is Grays. Look in the phone book. All the above listed are helpful and knowledgeable.
All the best.

Mary

Hi Isabel!

Did you find out any information as I'd like to grow fennel too. I direct seeded some Florence Fennel last year and by fall there was still no swelling at the base. I wasn't sure if the variety was labelled wrong, if I planted it too late, or didn't wait long enough. Trying again this year with new Italian variety.

Tatiana in Victoria

Would love for you all to post your results. Is there a way to force bulbing, perhaps by cutting the plant back at some point and mounding soil?

I too have had mixed results growing bulb fennel in the PNW. This year I'm starting 3 different varieties to see whether the problem is with me or with the seeds I'm using. It seems like the seedlings usually grow very slowly and then bolt rather than make a bulb. ... Seattle Tilth's Maritime Northwest Gardening Calendar recommends sowing bulb fennel indoors in late February and then transplanting, so that's what I'm tyring this year.
I'll post any positive (or negative) results.

OK, found some good info here

Here is a link that might be useful: Florence fennel