Chervil

What Chervil is

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is an annual herb of the Carrot family (Apiaceae). The leaves of chervil are dark green and resemble those of parsley.

The plants produce small white flowers during the summer months, which can be cut off to encourage leaf growth.

Chervil is grown mainly for its roots and leaves.

The roots can be harvested in midsummer to be stored for soups later, while the leaves are picked fresh for salads and soups.

Chervil is a delicate French herb with an aniseed and parsley flavour — for sauces, omelettes and salads.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 95%
• Seeds per packet: 1020–1380 pcs (3 g)
• Seed origin: Denmark
• Sowing: March – May; direct
• Flowering: April and May
• Harvest: April – October
• Position: partial shade or shade

When to sow Chervil

Chervil seeds are sown in March – May. The plants flower in April and May. Harvest in April – October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Chervil

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: partial shade or shade

Begin sowing the seeds in early spring, when the weather has settled but is still cool. In hotter climates, plant in light shade. Sow seeds 20-30 cm apart. from each other in well-worked soil. Cover the seeds very lightly and keep them evenly moist while waiting for germination. It is biennial, grows to a height of 20 to 40 cm, and its leaves are small, dark green and glossy. The roots of the plant are lifted in the months September - December. They are not dried, but stored in damp sand. The stalks are prone to rot when cut, so storing them is avoided and prompt consumption is preferred. The leaves of the plant are very often used in cooking.

Sow in partial shade in several batches; in hot weather it bolts.

Harvest and use

Pick the leaves 6–8 weeks after sowing.

Frequently asked questions

When should Chervil be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March – May. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 1020–1380 seeds, pack size 3 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 95%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.