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Chervil
Chervil
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Anthriscus
Species: Anthriscus cerefolium
Synonyms

Cerefeuil (French)
French parsley
Garden beaked parsley
Garden chervil
Gourmet’s parsley

Plant Data
Germination time: 12 days
Time to transplanting: +34 days
Time to harvesting: +72 days
Mature height: 30-60cm (12-24in)
Mature spread: 15-30cm (12-24in)
Sow depth: 1.3cm (½in)
Growing plant spacing: 15cm (6in)
References: [1][2][3][4]

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is a delicate annual herb related to parsley. It is used to season mild-flavoured dishes and is a constituent of the French herb mixture fines herbes.

Planner[]

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Sow
Harvest

[3][5][4]

Growing[]

Location[]

It prefers a cool and moist location, otherwise it rapidly goes to seed (also known as bolting).[1]

Sowing[]

Chervil is best grown seeded in place - transplanting can be difficult, due to the long taproot.[1]

You can also sow the seeds in pots indoors for a crop in winter. Sow two or three seeds in a 15cm (6in) pot filled with seed compost. Remove the weaker plants and grow the remaining seedling on a kitchen windowsill.[6]

The germination rate in the seeds will reduce dramatically after they have been stored for over a year. Collect seeds when harvesting for next year's sowing.[5]

Harvesting[]

Regular harvesting of leaves also helps to prevent bolting.[1]. Pick leaves from the outside of the plant when gathering. You should also remove all but a few flower heads, leaving some for seeds for next year.[3] If plants bolt despite precautions, the plant can be periodically re-sown through the growing season, thus producing fresh plants as older plants bolt and go out of production.

Preserving[]

Chervil does not dry well as it will lose most of its flavour. For best results freeze in individual portions.[7]

Troubles[]

Full troubles list: Apiaceae troubles

Chervil is a very pest-free herb to grow and is seldom bothered by any insect, fungus or disease problems.

References[]

  1. a b c d McGee, R.M.N.; Stuckey, M. (2002). The Bountiful Container. Workman Publishing.
  2. Chervil. myfolia.com. Retrieved: 2010-09-10.
  3. a b c Hessayon, D.G. (2009). The Vegetable & Herb Expert. Transworld Publishers, London. p. 133. ISBN 9780903505468
  4. a b Chervil - Organic Curled. Crocus.co.uk. Retrieved: 2010-09-10.
  5. a b How to Grow Chervil. GardeningBlog.net. Jalic Inc. Retrieved: 2010-09-10.
  6. (1994). Food From Your Garden & Allotment. Reader's Digest Association Ltd, London. p. 133. ISBN 978 276 44336 7
  7. (2001). Chervil. Beth's Back Yard. Retrieved: 2010-09-10.
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