Chervil plants growing in a terra cotta pot on white background.
Chervil in a glass jar tied with a blue ribbon sitting on a wooden board.
Chervil growing in a garden in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.
Chervil plants growing in a terra cotta pot on white background.
Chervil in a glass jar tied with a blue ribbon sitting on a wooden board.
Chervil growing in a garden in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.

Chervil Seeds,
Chervil

4.56 ReviewsSKU: #HB188Min. seed count: 400
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Description

Traditionally used in French cooking, where the slightly anise-like flavor of the leaves is appreciated when added to eggs, vegetables, and fish dishes. Leaves are added at the very last minute of cooking to preserve the delicate flavor.

Growing Tips: Direct seed in the garden, as chervil dislikes root disturbance. Germinates best in cool conditions. Sow in early spring or early fall, in moist, well-drained soil. succession-sowing extends harvest.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Anthriscus cerefolium
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
4–6 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–65°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Direct seed chervil in the garden, as it dislikes root disturbance. Sow in early spring or early fall, 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart, at an ideal germination temperature of 50-65 F, with seedlings up in 7 to 14 days.

Chervil is frost hardy and likes partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Succession sowing extends the harvest through the season.

How to Sow and Plant

  • 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.

How to Grow

  • 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.

How to Save Seeds

  • 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.

FAQ

Can I start chervil indoors and transplant it out?

Better to sow it where it will grow. Chervil dislikes root disturbance, so direct seed it in the garden, 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart.

What conditions does chervil need to germinate and grow well?

It germinates best in cool conditions, with an ideal germination temperature of 50-65 F and seedlings in 7 to 14 days. Grow chervil in partial shade in moist, well-drained soil, and give plants good air circulation without over watering, which is how damping off and powdery mildew are avoided.

How is chervil used in cooking?

It is traditional in French cooking, where the slightly anise-like flavor of the leaves is appreciated added to eggs, vegetables and fish dishes. Add the leaves at the very last minute of cooking to preserve the delicate flavor.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 6 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Mild anise flavor: Delicate licorice note for salads, dressings and garnish.

  • Reseeds itself: Let it mature and a new crop comes up on its own.

  • Hard to buy fresh: Rarely sold fresh in stores, so gardeners grow their own.

  • Growing tips: Bolts in heat; sow early and give it spring sun, summer shade.

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