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The Chervil Plant: Your Complete Guide and Care Tips
If you are a herb lover, then the chervil plant is definitely one herb that you should have in your garden.
This delicate herb with its fern-like leaves has a distinct anise flavor that adds depth to any dish.
Chervil plants are easy to grow and require little maintenance.
In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about growing and caring for the chervil plant.
Background Information on the Chervil Plant
The chervil plant, scientifically known as Anthriscus cerefolium, is an annual herb from the carrot family (Apiaceae).
It is native to Europe and Asia but has since spread across other continents.
The plant can grow up to 70cm tall but is generally much shorter when grown for culinary purposes.
Chervil has been cultivated since ancient times and was used by Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians as a medicinal herb.
The earliest recordings of its use date back to 3000 BC when it was used as a pain reliever.
Today, it is primarily used in French cuisine where it plays a significant role in fines herbes blends.
How To Grow A Chervil Plant
- Climate: The chervil plant thrives best in cooler temperatures around 13-21°C (55-70°F).
It does not tolerate heat well; therefore, it’s best planted during early spring or late fall when temperatures are lower.
- Sunlight: While most herbs prefer full sun exposure for optimal growth conditions; however, too much sunlight can be detrimental to the chervils’ success rate because they tend not to do well under high temperatures or direct sunlight.
It is recommended that you plant your chervil in a spot where it can receive partial shade and get at least 3-4 hours of sunlight per day.
- Soil: Chervil grows best in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0.
It does not do well in heavy clay soils or soils with poor drainage.
- Sowing: Sow the seeds directly into the garden bed, about 10mm deep into moist soil; it typically takes around two weeks for them to germinate.
Once they’ve sprouted and grown up to 10cm tall, thin them out by cutting off some of the stems to create spacing between each plant (at least 15cm apart).
Care Tips for Your Chervil Plant
- Watering: The chervil plant requires consistent moisture levels; therefore, make sure you water your plants regularly but avoid letting the soil become waterlogged as this may cause roots to rot.
- Fertilisation: While chervils are relatively undemanding when it comes to nutrients, applying organic fertilizers once every month helps promote healthy growth and improve flavor quality.
- Pest Control: One of the most common pests that attack chervils is aphids; they tend to suck on sap causing stunted growth or death if left untreated for extended periods.
You can control aphids naturally by using ladybugs or other beneficial insects like lacewings or parasitic wasps that feed on them.
The Harvesting Process
You can begin harvesting your chervil leaves as soon as they grow up to 10cm tall.
The best time to harvest is in the morning when the oils that give it its flavor are at their peak.
Snip off individual leaves or cut off a small bunch, making sure to leave some leaves behind for continued growth.
Conclusion
The chervil plant is an excellent addition to any herb garden; it’s easy to grow and care for, and adds a unique flavor profile to dishes.
By following our guide on growing and caring for chervil plants, you’ll be able to cultivate healthy plants that will serve you well throughout the season.
Remember to provide adequate water, regular fertilization and keep pests at bay through natural pest control methods like introducing beneficial insects.
Happy gardening!
