Chervil Curled is a delicate herb with finely textured, feathery leaves that add a subtle licorice flavor to your favorite dishes. Perfect for garnishing fish, soups, and vegetable sides, Chervil is a staple in French cuisine. Its attractive foliage also makes it an elegant addition to herb gardens or containers. This cool-season annual is easy to grow and enhances both flavor and presentation.
Chervil Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow chervil seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Chervil thrives in cool weather and tolerates light frost.
- Location: Choose a partially shaded spot for best results, as chervil prefers cooler conditions and does not thrive in full sun during hot weather.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Chervil prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart in rows or clusters.
- Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing once they are a few inches tall.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days. Consistent moisture helps prevent bolting.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start chervil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use biodegradable pots or seed trays with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, placing 1-2 seeds per pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and mist gently to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-14 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 6-8 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Chervil
- Sunlight: Provide partial shade for best growth. Chervil prefers cooler conditions and may bolt quickly in full sun during hot weather.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause chervil to bolt.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Chervil is a light feeder and rarely requires additional fertilization during its short growing season.
- Pruning: Regularly harvest leaves to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
- Pest and Disease Control: Chervil is generally pest- and disease-resistant. Proper spacing helps prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
- Harvesting:
- For Leaves: Harvest leaves as needed once the plant is 6-8 inches tall. Pick the outer leaves first, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
- For Continuous Harvest: Regularly snip leaves to encourage growth and delay bolting.
- Storage: Store fresh chervil leaves in a plastic bag or damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week. Leaves are best used fresh, as drying diminishes their flavor.
