Otto Wilhelm Thomé / Public domain
garden
Chervil
Anthriscus
EdibleMedicinal
Overview
A delicate, lacy herb with a subtle anise-parsley flavor that is essential to French cuisine, particularly as part of the classic fines herbes blend. Chervil is the first herb to emerge in spring and prefers cool, shaded conditions — the opposite of most herbs. Its flavor fades quickly with heat, so it should always be added at the end of cooking or used fresh.
Growing Conditions
LightShade
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones6 — 9
Height0.5m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeMoist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | May — May | Direct sow after last frost; bolts quickly in heat |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Harvest outer leaves at 6-8 weeks; bolts in heat |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Sow in early spring; prefers partial shade |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall sowing; best in cool weather |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Apr — Jun | Harvest before flowering; delicate anise flavor fades with heat |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Sow in late winter; succession sow every 3 weeks |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sowing; self-sows readily |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Mar — May | Spring harvest; use fresh — flavor does not dry well |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Oct — Dec | Fall/early winter harvest |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Oct — Jan (wraps) | Cool-season crop; grow in partial shade |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Nov — Mar (wraps) | Harvest during cool months |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Cool-season only; needs shade |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Nov — Feb (wraps) | Cool-season harvest |
Uses
Culinary
- Classic fines herbes blend with tarragon, chives, and parsley
- Delicate garnish for eggs, fish, and spring vegetables
- Compound butter and cream sauces
Medicinal
- Traditional digestive and mild diuretic tea
- Rich in vitamin C and iron
- Historically used as a spring tonic to cleanse the blood
Other Uses
- Cool-season ground cover under taller plants
