- Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 6-9 Can Be Grown As A Biennial
Sunlight: Choose a location that receives partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Chervil prefers cooler conditions and can tolerate full sun in cooler regions.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage.
When to Plant: Chervil is a cool-season herb that can be planted in early spring or fall. Sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, or in late summer for a fall crop.
Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1/4 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart. Chervil has a tendency to bolt in hot weather, so choose a cool, shaded spot for summer sowings.
Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water chervil regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization: Chervil benefits from moderate feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor.
Mulching and Weeding: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots of the chervil.
Pest and Disease Management: Chervil is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally suffer from aphids and fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
When to Harvest: Chervil can be harvested as soon as the plants have several sets of true leaves, typically 4-6 weeks after planting.
How to Harvest: Harvest individual leaves as needed by pinching off the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. For a larger harvest, cut the entire plant 1-2 inches above the soil level. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and helps prevent bolting.
Storing Fresh Chervil: Freshly harvested chervil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place the stems in a glass of water and cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag. Chervil does not dry well, so for longer storage, it is best to freeze the leaves.
Culinary Uses:Chervil's mild, anise-like flavor enhances a variety of dishes. Use it fresh in salads, soups, sauces, and as a garnish for fish and poultry. It is a key ingredient in "fines herbes," a classic French herb blend.
Why You’ll Love It
Chervil is often described as “mild parsley with a whisper of anise” — a delicate herb that shines in spring gardens and gourmet kitchens alike. Its finely curled leaves are not only flavorful but also beautiful, making it a lovely border or companion plant. As a cool-season crop, it’s ideal for early planting and succession sowing throughout the cooler months.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 12–18 inches
Growth Habit: Upright and bushy with fine texture
Leaf Type: Deep green, frilly and curled, similar to parsley
Days to Maturity: 60–70 days
Hardiness: Cool-season annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet with subtle notes of anise
Culinary Uses: Common in French cuisine, especially in omelets, salads, compound butters, and as part of the classic fines herbes blend. Best used fresh to preserve its delicate flavor.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Lettuce, radishes, chives, and other shade-tolerant herbs
Avoid Planting Near: Strongly aromatic herbs like fennel that may overpower its delicate flavor
Bonus Benefit: Chervil can help improve the flavor of nearby plants and attracts beneficial insects
Common Issues and Solutions
Bolting in Warm Weather: Chervil prefers cool temperatures. Plant early spring or late summer for best results.
Slow Germination: Be patient and keep the soil moist. Pre-soaking seeds can help improve sprouting.
Weak Flavor When Dried: Use fresh for the best culinary results — it loses most of its flavor when dried.
Seeds Per Packet
1g | Approximately 425 |
2g | Approximately 850 |
3g | Approximately 1,275 |
4g | Approximately 1,700 |
Why You’ll Love It
Chervil is often described as “mild parsley with a whisper of anise” — a delicate herb that shines in spring gardens and gourmet kitchens alike. Its finely curled leaves are not only flavorful but also beautiful, making it a lovely border or companion plant. As a cool-season crop, it’s ideal for early planting and succession sowing throughout the cooler months.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 12–18 inches
Growth Habit: Upright and bushy with fine texture
Leaf Type: Deep green, frilly and curled, similar to parsley
Days to Maturity: 60–70 days
Hardiness: Cool-season annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet with subtle notes of anise
Culinary Uses: Common in French cuisine, especially in omelets, salads, compound butters, and as part of the classic fines herbes blend. Best used fresh to preserve its delicate flavor.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Lettuce, radishes, chives, and other shade-tolerant herbs
Avoid Planting Near: Strongly aromatic herbs like fennel that may overpower its delicate flavor
Bonus Benefit: Chervil can help improve the flavor of nearby plants and attracts beneficial insects
Common Issues and Solutions
Bolting in Warm Weather: Chervil prefers cool temperatures. Plant early spring or late summer for best results.
Slow Germination: Be patient and keep the soil moist. Pre-soaking seeds can help improve sprouting.
Weak Flavor When Dried: Use fresh for the best culinary results — it loses most of its flavor when dried.
Seeds Per Packet
1g | Approximately 425 |
2g | Approximately 850 |
3g | Approximately 1,275 |
4g | Approximately 1,700 |
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