Anthriscus cerefolium

Sowing and growing guidance

Raise from Anthriscus cerefolium seeds by direct sowing as soon as soil is workable. In colder areas, wait until after last frost. Choose partial shade; in cool conditions it tolerates full sun. Grow in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Thin seedlings promptly to maintain airflow; plants stay compact. For a steady supply, repeat small sowings through cool weather; in mild-winter climates, autumn sowing may succeed. Keep the bed evenly moist without waterlogging, and weed lightly to reduce competition. In warm spells, offer light shade to slow bolting.

• Direct sow when soil is workable; succession-sow in cool weather; autumn sowing may suit mild-winter areas.
• Prefers partial shade; tolerates full sun in cool conditions; keep soil moist, well-drained, moderately fertile.
• Suitable for containers; choose a deep pot and water consistently.
• Umbel flowers, if allowed, can support visiting pollinators.
• Often grown as a culinary herb; only use leaves from positively identified plants.

How do I grow Anthriscus cerefolium from seed?

Sow Anthriscus cerefolium (chervil) directly where it will grow, as it dislikes root disturbance. Scatter thinly on prepared, moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil and cover very lightly (about 0.5 cm). Keep evenly moist through germination, which typically occurs in cool conditions. Plants stay compact and leafy before flowering; regular picking can delay flowering. If some are allowed to bloom later, the airy white umbels support beneficial insects and may self-seed modestly for future volunteers.

When should I sow chervil outdoors?

Direct sow as soon as soil is workable after the last frost and keep sowing small batches through the cool part of the growing season to maintain fresh leaves. In mild-winter areas, an autumn sowing can overwinter for early spring (Northern Hemisphere) / early autumn (Southern Hemisphere) harvests. Avoid peak heat; chervil prefers cool, moist conditions. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks while weather stays cool to ensure a steady supply.

What is the best soil and light for chervil?

Chervil thrives in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Avoid very rich feeds that encourage overly lush, soft growth, and avoid parched or waterlogged spots. It prefers partial shade and stays happiest with morning sun and afternoon shade, though it tolerates full sun in cool conditions if moisture is consistent. A light mulch helps maintain even moisture and root coolness, which supports steady leaf production and reduces stress.

How do I grow chervil in containers?

Choose a wide container at least 15–20 cm deep with drainage holes, filled with a peat-free, moisture-retentive, free-draining mix. Sow thinly on the surface, cover very lightly, and keep evenly moist—never saturated. Place the pot in bright, indirect light or partial shade; in cool weather it can handle more direct sun. Avoid transplanting by sowing in place, and harvest regularly to keep plants compact. Refresh with new sowings as older plants tire or begin to flower.

What are chervil spacing and thinning tips?

After emergence, thin seedlings gradually to promote airflow and sturdy growth. Final spacing of about 15–20 cm between plants works well for compact, leafy clumps; leave 25–30 cm between rows if row-sown. Avoid crowding, which traps moisture around foliage and encourages disease. Water after thinning to settle roots and maintain steady growth. Follow any packet-specific guidance, adjusting for your site’s light, soil, and intended harvest size.

How can I prevent bolting in chervil and care for it in warm weather?

Bolting is triggered by heat and stress. Keep plants consistently moist, mulch to cool roots, and provide partial shade—especially during hot spells. Avoid transplant shock by direct sowing, and pick leaves regularly while plants are young. In warm periods, use shade cloth or grow in a cooler microclimate, and rely on frequent succession sowings to replace any plants that start to elongate and flower. Allow a few to bloom later if you want seeds and pollinator-friendly blooms.

This guidance provides general cultivation information and may vary with microclimate, soil structure, drainage, exposure, and seasonal conditions. Product pages include specific instructions for sowing depth, spacing, and timing (such as after last frost or when soil is workable), suited to the item listed. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Outcomes depend on local conditions; site characteristics influence germination and growth.

Growing Conditions and Sowing Tips

Anthriscus cerefolium seeds benefit from cool, partial shade conditions. Sow direct where plants will grow, as they dislike root disturbance. Prepare a fine, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil enriched with compost. Scatter thinly in shallow drills 3–5 mm deep, spaced 15–20 cm apart, keeping the surface consistently moist. Ideal germination temperatures are 12–18°C, with emergence in 7–21 days. After last frost, sow outdoors; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. For a steady supply, repeat sowings every 2–3 weeks until heat intensifies. Thin seedlings to 10–15 cm to reduce crowding and encourage leafy growth. Provide light shade during warmer periods to limit bolting, and avoid waterlogging. Pots or window boxes are suitable if depth is at least 15–20 cm and drainage is good. Harvest young foliage when plants are established, preferably in the cooler parts of the day to preserve aroma. Additional resources are available from SeedsChoice.