The present invention relates to culturing isolated microspores and the subsequent generation of doubled-haploid plant lines that are suitable for the rapid selection of plants with improved composition and agronomic performance. Processes developed for the recovery of microspore-derived embryos from fennel and caraway may be adapted to related species in the Apiaceae family including, but not limited to, fennel, carrot, dill, anise, lovage, parsnip, and laceflower.