Chervil (French Parsley)

An elegant culinary herb with feathery green leaves and a subtle anise flavour. A staple in French cuisine, it is an essential ingredient in fines herbes, bringing a refined touch to soups, salads, egg dishes, and sauces.

Easy to grow, chervil thrives in cool conditions and self-seeds readily, making it a long-term addition to herb gardens. With its attractive, lacy foliage, it also doubles as an ornamental plant in kitchen gardens and borders.

Where Can You Grow Chervil

Chervil thrives in Zones 3-9, preferring partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It grows well in herb beds, containers, and shaded garden spaces, offering a continuous supply of fresh leaves.

History and Historical Uses

Native to Southern Europe and Western Asia, chervil has been cultivated for centuries as a flavourful and medicinal herb. It was favoured by the Romans, who introduced it to Northern Europe, and remains a key ingredient in French cuisine today.

Canadian Zone Information

• Zones 8-9: Sow seeds in autumn or early spring for successive harvests.
• Zones 5-7: Start seeds indoors in early spring and transplant outdoors after the last frost.
• Zones 3-4: Direct sow in early spring or late summer for optimal growth in cool conditions.

How to Grow and Harvest Chervil

1. Planting: Sow seeds 3mm (1/8in) deep in well-drained soil, spacing plants 15-20cm (6-8in) apart.
2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
3. Harvesting: Pick young leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Best harvested before flowering for the finest flavour.
4. Maintenance: Chervil prefers cool weather and will bolt in heat. Provide shade in warm climates.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

1. Allow to Flower and Seed: Let some plants bloom and produce seed heads.
2. Harvest Seeds: Collect seeds once they turn dark and dry on the plant.
3. Dry and Clean: Spread seeds out in a well-ventilated space to dry completely.
4. Store: Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 3 years.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)