How to Plant and Grow Chervil

Chervil is a delicate annual herb in the parsley family. It has a mild anise flavor and is used to season poultry, fish, and vegetables. It is also used as a garnish. Chervil is easy to grow and can be started from seed or transplants.

Botanical Name:Anthriscus cerefolium
Other Names:French parsley, garden chervil
Type of Plant:Annual herb
Size and Appearance:Grows to about 2 feet tall. Has fine, delicate leaves that are lacy and deeply divided. The leaves are a bright green color.

Planting Time:

Spring.

Blossoming Time:

Late spring to early summer.

Propagation:

From seed.

Sun:

Partial shade.

Temperature:

Under 65°F (18°C) during the growing season

Soil:

Rich, well-drained soil.

Watering:

Keep the soil moist but not wet. Water more frequently in hot weather.

Fertilize:

Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Uses:

Chervil is often used as a garnish or added to salads. It can also be used in soups, stews, and sauces.

How to grow Chervil in the garden

  1. Buy Chervil seeds from a reputable source.
  2. Prepare the garden bed by tilling the soil and removing any weeds.
  3. Sow the seeds in rows, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart.
  4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently.
  5. Keep the soil moist but not wet until the seeds germinate, which should happen within 10-14 days.
  6. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out so that they are spaced about 6 inches apart.
  7. Continue to water regularly and fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Harvest Chervil when it is young and tender before the leaves start to turn yellow or brown.

In the following, I will cover each step in a little more detail.

1. Buy Chervil seeds from a reputable source.

Chervil seeds can be bought at most garden stores or online.

The best place to buy them is online because you can find a wider variety of seeds and get them delivered directly to your door.

2. Prepare the garden bed by tilling the soil and removing any weeds.

The ideal spot for Chervil in the garden is in a sunny location with well-drained soil. This herb prefers cooler temperatures and does not tolerate heat or drought well.

To prepare the soil in the garden for Chervil, first till the soil to a depth of about 8 inches. 

Then, rake the soil to remove any large clumps or rocks. 

Next, add a layer of organic matter such as compost or manure. 

Finally, level off the area so that it is smooth and even. 

Possible obstacles when preparing the soil for Chervil include compaction, poor drainage, and lack of nutrients. 

Compaction can be caused by overworking the soil or by walking on it when it is wet.

Poor drainage can be improved by adding organic matter to the soil and by making sure that there is adequate aeration. The lack of nutrients can be remedied by adding fertilizer to the soil.

3. Sow the seeds in rows, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart.

The seeds should be sown thinly, and covered with a thin layer of soil. Chervil is a delicate herb, and does not tolerate frost.

4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently.

A freshly planted Chervil needs a lot of water because it is a very delicate plant. It needs to be watered every day, and if the weather is hot, it may need to be watered twice a day.

The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.

5. Keep the soil moist but not wet until the seeds germinate, which should happen within 10-14 days.

Chervil seedlings look like small, delicate plants with light green leaves.

They take about two weeks to germinate.

6. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out so that they are spaced about 6 inches apart.

Chervil seedlings should be thinned out when they are about 2-3 inches tall.

The reason for this is to allow the plants to have enough space to grow properly and produce a good crop.

When thinning, carefully remove the weaker seedlings so that the stronger ones have more room to grow.

7. Continue to water regularly and fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Chervil is a delicate herb that does best in rich, moist soil with plenty of organic matter. It is not a heavy feeder, but it will benefit from a light application of fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. 

A balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer will work well. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency.

8. Harvest Chervil when it is young and tender before the leaves start to turn yellow or brown.

Chervil should be harvested in the morning after the dew has evaporated. This is the perfect timing because the leaves will be at their freshest and most flavorful.

Chervil is a biennial plant, which means it takes two years to complete its life cycle. In its first year, the plant grows leaves. 

In the second year, the plant produces flowers, sets seeds, and then dies. 

To encourage new growth in spring, cut back the chervil plant in late fall or early winter, before the ground freezes. Cut the plant back to about 6 inches (15 cm) above the ground. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth in the spring.

How to grow Chervil in a planting pot

  1. Buy Chervil seeds and a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes in the bottom.
  2. Fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix.
  3. Sow the seeds in the mix, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting mix and water gently.
  5. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist but not wet.
  6. When the seedlings emerge, thin them to one per pot.
  7. Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
  8. Harvest chervil when it is 6-8 inches tall by snipping off the leaves as needed.

In the following, I will cover each step in a little more detail.

1. Buy Chervil seeds and a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes in the bottom.

There are many places where chervil plants and seeds can be bought. The best place to buy them is from a reputable nursery or garden center.

This is because they will have a wide selection of plants and seeds, and they will be able to give you advice on which ones are best for your garden.

The perfect pot for Chervil is a small, shallow pot with drainage holes. This allows the roots to stay moist but not waterlogged, and the plant to get the air circulation it needs.

2. Fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix.

The perfect potting mix for Chervil should be light and well-drained with a slightly acidic pH.

This will help the plant to grow healthy and prevent it from getting too much water.

Examples of good potting mixes for Chervil include peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.

A Chervil plant needs about 4-6 inches of potting mix. This will help the plant to get the nutrients it needs and also help with drainage.

3. Sow the seeds in the mix, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

To plant the seeds of Chervil in a pot, fill the pot with moistened potting mix to within 1/2 inch of the rim.

Sow the seeds on the surface of the mix and press them gently into the mix. 

4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting mix and water gently.

Water the seedlings regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.

A Chervil right after sowing the seeds needs about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water.

5. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist but not wet.

The perfect spot for Chervil indoors in a pot is in a sunny location. This herb prefers full sun but will also do well in partial shade.

The soil should be well-drained and moist. Chervil does not like to dry out so make sure to water regularly.

6. When the seedlings emerge, thin them to one per pot.

To thin Chervil seedlings, first, wait until they are about 4-6 inches tall. Then, using a sharp knife or scissors, cut off the weaker seedlings at the base, leaving only the strongest ones.

Be sure to leave about 2-3 inches between each seedling so they have room to grow.

7. Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

The perfect fertilizer for Chervil that grows indoors would be a slow-release fertilizer with low nitrogen content.

8. Harvest chervil when it is 6-8 inches tall by snipping off the leaves as needed.

To pinch back the tips of Chervil plants, use your fingers to lightly grasp the stem just above a set of leaves and then gently bend it until the stem snaps.

Repeat this process every few weeks throughout the growing season.

Chervil can be harvested from planting pots when the plant is around 6 inches tall. To harvest, cut the plant just above the soil line with a sharp knife or shears.

How to use Chervil

Chervil is an aromatic herb that is used in many different cuisines. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is often used to season chicken, fish, and vegetables. Chervil can also be used to make tea and is sometimes used in alternative medicine.

In food, chervil is often used as a garnish or to add flavor to dishes. It can be used fresh, dried, or ground into a powder. Chervil is commonly used in French cuisine and is one of the herbs in the fines herbes blend.

In tea, chervil is sometimes used for its purported health benefits. It is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

In alternative medicine, chervil is sometimes used as a natural treatment for digestive issues such as indigestion and gas. It is also said to boost the immune system.

Facts about Chervil

  • The meaning of the word “chervil” can vary depending on context. In some cases, it may refer to the plant itself (e.g., “a sprig of chervil”). In other cases, it may be used as a metaphor for something small or insignificant (e.g., “the chervil among us”).
  • Chervil is native to the Caucasus and Iran.
  • It has a mild anise flavor.
  • Chervil is high in vitamins A and C.

Photo of author
Written By Vincent

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