This delicate-leaved, annual herb is sometimes called French parsley because of its similarity to flat-leaved parsley. Pollinators love chervil flowers, which are rich in nectar. Chervil leaves are great to flavour egg dishes.

Growing calendar
Sow outdoors	Late Apr-Sept
Harvest	Oct-Dec

How to grow chervil

Sow chervil seed at regular intervals, 0.1cm deep in rows, thinning seedlings to 20cm apart. Choose well-drained, fertile soil in partial shade. Cover summer-sown chervil plants with horticultural fleece in autumn to prolong the harvest.

If you're growing chervil in pots, allow for adequate drainage and keep the soil evenly moist. As it prefers partial shade, chervil can also be grown indoors on the windowsill.

Harvesting and using chervil

Can crop throughout the winter. Pick chervil leaves before flowers open and when stems are about 10cm tall. Use fresh or store by freezing. Particularly good with eggs and cream sauces.

Tips on growing chervil

Chervil plants dislike being transplanted so grow chervil from seed, sown direct.
Water well in dry weather to help avoid plants bolting (flowering prematurely.

Seed Saving

Chervil self-seeds readily, but you can also collect flowerheads and place upside down in an envelope until they drop off. Dry completely and store for up to four years.

Growing notes
Difficulty	Easy
Germination time	7-14 days
Average growing period	6-8 weeks
Equipment needed	Horticultural fleece in autumn
Average plant size	60cm tall, 30cm wide
Family group to grow with	Apiaceae: dill, fennel
Latin name	Anthriscus cerefolium
Key nutritional content	Dried: calcium, iron, zinc