Chervil : Fancy French

Finely cut, feathery and flavorful leaves are essential to French cooking

Chervil's lacy leaves are finely cut and light green, as delicate and dainty as their flavor is subtle. The classic herb is essential in French "fines herbs" mixtures and used as a Tarragon substitute. Chervil has a refined taste reminiscent of anise and parsley, delicious in salads or to highlight sauces, sautés and soups. Hard to find in U.S. markets, Chervil is an important herb for kitchen gardeners to grow - its special flavor rewards your efforts many times over. This is considered one of the best French varieties.

Apiaceae Anthriscus cerefolium

This is an example of the timeline you would see based on your growing conditions.

Chervil: Chervil

Fancy French

Chervil's lacy leaves are finely cut and light green, as delicate and dainty as their flavor is subtle. The classic herb is essential in French "fines herbs" mixtures and is often used as a Tarragon substitute. Chervil has a refined taste reminiscent of Anise and Parsley, delicious in salads or to highlight sauces, sautés and soups. Hard to find in U.S. markets, Chervil is an important herb for kitchen gardeners to grow - its special flavor rewards your efforts many times over. Good plant for succession sowing.

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Basics

Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: 60-75 (Spring/Summer), 65-80 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit: -
Hardiness: Hardy

Chervil can tolerate a light frost but more severe frosts may kill the plant.
Crops: Spring, Fall
Growing Season: Short, Long
Cultivar Type: -
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm

Start Chervil in early spring when weather is settled but still cool. In hotter climates plant in filtered sun or light shade.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 80°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 50°F

Chervil germinates well in cool temperatures, even at 50˚ F.
Start Indoors: No
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Part shade (Cool, Warm)

For the best quality Chervil, plant in partial shade.
Water: Moderate

Keep Chervil well watered.
Feeder: Moderate

Chervil needs rich soil. Fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks with a high nitrogen source or liquid fish emulsion solution.
Suitability: Tolerates light frost, Tolerates hard frost, Partial shade, Needs summer shade
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes

Chervil is an excellent container plant and can be grown indoors. It should get at least 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight. Be sure to water regularly.
Attracts beneficial insects?: Yes
Color: Light green
Fruit Size: - "
Plant Height: 10.0 - 24.0"
Plant Diameter: 8.0 - 15.0"
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile: Chervil has a flavor reminiscent of parsley and anise. It also enhances the flavors of other herbs. The flavor becomes bitter if cooked for too long.
Rotation Group: Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens

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Plant Guide

Chervil : Fancy French

Finely cut, feathery and flavorful leaves are essential to French cooking

Fancy French

Basics