Type: Annual herb
When to Sow
- Outdoors: Early spring or late summer to early fall
- Indoors: Not recommended; chervil dislikes transplanting
Seed Treatment (Pre-Sowing)
- Soak seeds in room-temperature water for 12–24 hours before sowing to speed up germination.
Optimal Temperature for Germination
- Ideal: 12–18°C (54–65°F)
- Avoid hot temperatures—chervil is cool-season and bolts easily in heat.
Germination Time
- Germinates in 7–21 days
- Max germination time: up to 3 weeks under less-than-ideal conditions
Location & Soil
- Prefers partial shade or filtered sun, especially in warmer climates
- Grows best in moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0
- Mix in compost or aged manure to enrich the soil
Sowing Instructions
- Sow directly outdoors in early spring or late summer
- Sow 0.5 cm (¼ inch) deep, spaced 15 cm (6") apart
- Cover lightly with fine soil or vermiculite
- Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist—do not let it dry out
- Water gently to avoid displacing shallow-rooted seedlings
Post-Germination Care
- Thin seedlings to 15–20 cm (6–8") apart when true leaves appear
- Avoid disturbing roots—chervil does not transplant well
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Harvest leaves when plants reach 10–15 cm (4–6") tall
- Frequent trimming encourages bushier growth and delays flowering
Bolting & Heat Management
- Chervil is prone to bolting in warm temps—plant in cool seasons only
- Provide shade or plant in cooler microclimates during summer
- Once it bolts (flowers), leaf flavor diminishes—replant regularly for a continuous harvest
Succession Sowing Tip
Sow new seeds every 3–4 weeks during the cool season for a steady supply.