Chervil is sometimes called French Parsley. This delicious herb is a mainstay of French cuisine. The delicate flavour of chervil has a faint taste of aniseed and is delicious with eggs, seafood (especially scallops), chicken and when added as a garnish to soups, stews and sauces. For best results and a full flavour add last minute to your dish.
Planting Calendar
Prepare
Position
Chervil is grown as an annual. It prefers to be grown in cooler climates, or during the cooler months of the year. Crops grown in the cooler months can be planted in full sun, those grown during the hotter months will need partial or dappled shade.
Soil
Chervil likes a well prepared free draining soil with added compost and sheep pellets, or if growing in a container plant into King's Container mix.
Plant
As Chervil does best in cooler conditions sow seed in late summer for a Autumn, Winter harvest. Sow directly into in a well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Germination can take upto to 21 days so keep soil just damp, when plants have reached 4-6cm high thin to 15-20cm apart. If planting a plant that has already grown, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings Natures Organic Fertiliser, then mix together. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Consistent moisture is key with Chervil, as if the soil dries out the plant will bolt to seed. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive
Feeding
If grown outside, feed regularly with Aquaticus Garden Booster for a strong and healthy plant. Apply a side dressing of Kings Natures Organic Fertiliser every 8 weeks and water in well.
Protecting
Protect against slug and snail attack with regular applications of Tui Quash, reapply after rain.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Aphids can be a problem on Chervil. If needed spray with Aquaticus Bugtrol.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Tip
If the soil is allowed to dry out this can cause poor flavour and the plant may bolt so keep the soil moist especially in hot periods – mulching will help conserve moisture and keep temperatures even. Pick regularly to encourage new growth. Pick just before use as Chervil wilts quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my Chervil from bolting?
Chervil like Coriander and Parsley prefers a cooler position in the garden and to be kept moist at all times. Plant in partial shade with protection from the midday sun. Regular harvesting will also help.
What is chervil?
Chervil is a delicate herb, often used in French cuisine. It's part of the parsley family and has a mild, slightly aniseed flavour.
How do I plant chervil?
As Chervil does best in cooler conditions sow seed in late summer for a Autumn, Winter harvest. Sow directly into in a well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Germination can take upto to 21 days so keep soil just damp, when plants have reached 4-6cm high thin to 15-20cm apart. If planting a plant that has already grown, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings Natures Organic Fertiliser, then mix together. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
When should I plant chervil?
Chervil can be planted in early spring or autumn when the weather is cooler. Avoid planting during the hot summer months as chervil tends to bolt in heat.
How do I harvest chervil?
Start harvesting the young leaves when they are about 10cm high, cut off rather than pulling, and remove from the outside first.
