How To Grow Chervil Seeds
Updated on Dec 28, 2021
By Shannon McCabe
Latin name Anthriscus cerefolium is an annual herb in the parsley family. Chervil is also called French parsley or garden chervil (to distinguish it from similar plants also called chervil). It is commonly used to season mild-flavored dishes and is a constituent of the French herb mixture 'fines herbes.'
HISTORY
Native to the Caucasus but was spread by the Romans through most of Europe, where it is now naturalized. The name chervil is ultimately from Ancient Greek chairephyllon, meaning "leaves of joy."
USES
- Culinary
- Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
- Direct seed in the garden, as chervil dislikes root disturbance.
- Plant 1/4" deep and 12" apart.
- Ideal germination temperature is 50-65 F.
- Chervil likes partial shade.
- Keep moist, and plant in well-drained soil.
- Succession sowing extends harvest.
PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Chervil is a very pest-free herb to grow and is seldom bothered by insect, fungus or disease problems.
- Damping off and powdery mildew are some of the most common problems and are caused by a fungus. Avoid these by not over watering and giving the plants good air circulation.
- Do not allow to cross with other plants in the umbelliferae family, like Queen Anne's Lace or wild fennel.
- Bag at least 10 immature umbels before the flowers open and hand pollinate every day for 2 -4 weeks.
- Cut umbels when seeds are fully formed and dry.
