Chervil Herb Seeds
Botanical name: Anthriscus cerefolium
Syn. French Parsley
Chervil is a low growing herb to 30 cm high with a mild aniseed taste; it is a close relative of parsley. It forms a rosette of sweetly scented, delicate ferny foliage and is ideal for container growing. Chervil thrives in cool conditions and does not tolerate heat; maintain soil moisture to prevent bolting. Used in egg dishes, soups, and with fish. Chervil is one of the four herbs in ‘fines herbes’ used in French cooking.
Growing Instructions:
- Cool season annual, heat intolerant
- Plant Height: Up to 30 cm
Sow When:
- Germinates best between 12 – 20°C soil temperature
- Temperate: Late September, early October – December
- Subtropical: Early spring and autumn
- Tropical: Unlikely to do well
Germination:
- Depth: Press the seed lightly into soil to 5 mm; it needs light to germinate
- Position: Partial shade
- Sow Where: Direct where it is to grow; soaking the seed overnight helps to speed it up
Soil Type:
- Details: Rich, moist, compost-enriched soil with a pH of 5.5 – 7
Rows:
- Spacing: Scatter the seed in a 1 m² area; the closeness of other chervil keeps the plants upright
Details:
- Days to harvest: 30 – 40 days
Growing Instructions (Microgreens):
- Do not pre-soak seeds.
- Sow rate: 28 grams for a 10 x 20″ growing tray.
- Add 2 – 3 cm of soil to tray (or use a hydroponic growing medium). Flatten soil to level.
- Moisten soil. Sprinkle seeds evenly over surface. Lightly water. Cover seeds with a growing tray.
- Store in a well-ventilated, dark spot to germinate. Water 1 – 2 times daily. Keep covered for 3 – 4 days.
- Remove top tray and expose it to light. Water twice daily.
- Harvest: 12 – 24 days (slow growing variety).
