Introduction
Chervil which looks like parsley means “leaves of joy” in Greek. It’s a perennial plant and is a common herb used in Mediterranean cooking. Chervil is one of the 4 fines in French cooking along with parsley, tarragon, and chives. Its commonly used as bait for slugs, to keep them away from other plants in the garden. It grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet and a width of 1/2 to 1 foot. It has a tap root and can bolt after transplant.
It is commonly used as medicine for reducing blood pressure, and digestive aid, and is used in sauces.
Essentials
Soil
Chervil needs fertile damp soil. When growing in a pot, consider the height of the planter because chervil grows long tap roots. A pot of about 30 – 35 cm in width will work if planted in a pot. Soil ph has to be between 6.5 and 7 and has to be well-draining but with organic matter for nutrition and coir incorporated for some water retention.
Watering
Needs wet soil with good water retention but not with too much water holding up in the soil. About an inch of water under normal conditions should be enough. Check soil during summer and water when the soil dries out.
Flowering
Produces small white flowers in late spring. Dry soil during summer may prompt bolting and reduce flowering. This plant prefers cooler climates.
Fruiting
Oblong fruit with a thin, ridge beak that grows about 1 cm long. This plant goes to seed quickly when the temperature rises and it bolts.
Propagation
Chervil like other herbs can be propagated via seeds. Seeds can be planted 25 cm apart in fertile, well-drained, fertile, enriched soil, about 1 cm deep.
Pests and diseases
Common afflictions are powdery mildew, aphids, root rot. Aphids, slugs and snails are common pests. Ducks can be reared to take care of slugs.
Irritation to pets
This plant is non-toxic. Pets can eat chervil without any major ill effects. However, hemlock and chervil look very similar to each other. Care must be taken while foraging in the wild for chervil.
Other resources
Feel free to check out other herb-growing articles.
Mint, Oregano, Coriander, Chervil, Thai Basil, Chives, Sweet Green Basil.
