Chervil
A dainty plant, with aniseed-flavoured, flat, pinnate leaves and umbels of small white flowers in summer. If allowed to flower, its nectar rich blooms are good for attracting bees, beneficial insects and other pollinators.
Family: Apiaceae (umbelliferae)
Botanical Name: Anthriscus cerefolium
Common Names: Chervil, hedge parsley.
Foliage: Deciduous, pale green, ovate, lacy divided leaves.
Flowers: Small umbels of delicate white flowers.
Flowering Period: Summer.
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil (chalk, sand or loam). Acid, alkaline or neutral pH.
Conditions: Full sun or partial shade. Plant in an east, west or south facing aspect.
Habit: Upright.
Type: Annual or biennial.
Origin: Europe, West Asia, Middle East, Russia and the Caucasus.
Hardiness: Hardy.
Planting and Growing Chervil
Grow in a light, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, in a lightly shaded situation. Add plenty of organic matter to the soil to improve moisture retention. Although a biennial by nature, chervil is usually grown as an annual.
Taking Care of Chervil
Keep weed free and water regularly during dry weather to prevent bolting.
Pruning Chervil
Remove flowering stems to maximum foliage production and prevent self-seeding.
Pull-up and discard spent plants at the end of the season. Leaving a few plants to produce seed for next season, if required.
Pests and Diseases
Prone to attack by caterpillars, slugs and snails.
Propagating Chervil
Sow seed in prepared ground where it is to grow, from late spring to mid-summer (March to August). Sow at a depth of 1/2in (1cm). Germination takes around two to three weeks. Thin seedlings to 6in (15cm) apart, once large enough to handle. Succession sow monthly for a continuous supply of leaves.
Culinary Uses
The leaves have a mild parsley or aniseed flavour and can be added to salads, soups, sauces, egg dishes or used for garnishing. The leaves are not really suitable for drying and the flavour is best retained if the leaves are frozen in ice cubes.
Harvesting Chervil: Pick and use as fresh as possible (from June to October). Add to cooked dishes just before serving.
Varieties of Chervil
Anthriscus cerefolium is the main species. Produces bright-green fern-like leaves, similar to flat parsley. Height 2-3ft (60-90cm). For sale at Thompson & Morgan.