Chervil
anthriscus cerefolium
Also known as: ["Garden Chervil","French Parsley","Shepherd's Needle"]
Overview
An annual herb with delicate, fern-like leaves and small white flowers, valued for its mild anise-like flavor.
Benefits & Perks
["culinary herb","fragrant flowers","fast growing"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Anthriscus |
| Botanical Name: | Anthriscus cerefolium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed for harvesting; remove flowering stems promptly to prevent bolting.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; primarily harvesting leaves and occasional stem removal.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply to encourage root growth; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot; adjust frequency based on weather and soil moisture.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with organic matter for fertility; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates light frost but may bolt in high heat.
Protect from extreme cold; avoid placing in hot, drafty areas; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; use a balanced NPK ratio; stop fertilizing before winter.
Propagation
Methods
Seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Sow seeds or take cuttings.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Transplant once established.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are mild and growth is active.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture for seeds and cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of peat and perlite for cuttings.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; rooting hormone can be used for stem cuttings to encourage faster rooting.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 10–21 days; stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks and establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, rooting hormone (optional), misting spray bottle, labels.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds shallowly; use bottom heat for faster germination; keep cuttings out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves or stems near the base with clean shears or scissors. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning is needed. Focus on harvesting leaves as needed and removing any flowering stems to prolong leaf production.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears, clean cloth for sterilization.
Checklist
Use clean tools; harvest leaves as needed; remove flowering stems promptly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor-grown plants. Potted plants may need repotting every 1–2 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for weather conditions.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution around the root zone. Water until it begins to drain from the bottom, but avoid wetting the foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods, but reduce in cooler months or during dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage. Incorporate perlite or sand if soil is heavy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, or premature flowering (bolting) in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration or damage, though the plant is somewhat frost-tolerant.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; mulch around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause the plant to bolt (flower prematurely), reducing leaf production and quality.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; harvest leaves early to encourage regrowth.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent bolting.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicChervil is not known to be toxic to cats. It is not commonly used in feline diets but is considered safe if ingested in small amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicChervil is not known to be toxic to dogs. It is occasionally used as a flavoring in dog treats and is considered safe for canine consumption in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicAnthriscus cerefolium, commonly known as chervil, is a culinary herb with no known toxic effects on humans. It is widely used in cooking and is considered safe for consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is chervil safe for pets?
A: Yes, chervil is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How do I grow chervil?
A: Sow seeds directly in well-drained soil in partial shade; keep moist and harvest leaves as needed.
Q: What is chervil used for?
A: Chervil is primarily used as a culinary herb, adding a mild anise flavor to dishes.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
