Herb Grow Guides
How to Grow Organic Chervil from Seed
Anthriscus cerefolium
About Chervil
Chervil is a cool-season annual with lacy, fern-like leaves — a finer, anise-tinged parsley. It is not a fig. It prefers shade and bolts in heat. Do not copy chamomile’s “keep the flowers” harvest notes; you grow chervil for leaves.
When to Plant
Sow in early spring for a late-spring crop, and again in late summer for fall. Fall sowings may overwinter in mild climates and bloom in early spring.
How to Plant
Sow ⅛ inch deep. Thin to 8–12 inches. Prefers cool shade or morning sun. Excellent in a shady windowsill. Leave a few plants to self-sow.
When to Harvest
Begin snipping leaves when plants are about 6 inches tall, 6–8 weeks after sowing. Use fresh; flavor fades when dried. Chop into butter or vinegar. Flowers are pretty in a salad but signal the end of peak leaf.