How to Grow Chervil

Chervil is an herb that is used in various soup, fish and egg recipes. Many people also use chervil to garnish their salads or put into sauces to add a distinct flavor. When using chervil, it is important to not overheat it or the flavor will be lost. Grow chervil by following these steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Soak the seeds in water. Before you plant chervil, soak the seeds in water overnight. This helps them germinate.

2. Pick a shaded spot to plant the chervil seeds. It goes to seed too quickly in direct sun, so the seeds must be planted in a cool and shaded area.

3. Plant them at least 1/8 of an inch deep in the soil in the spring. The soil should have been tilled well in early spring in order to prepare the ground for planting. Set the seeds at least 8 to 10 inches apart.

4. Water the plants daily. Chervil thrives in moist soil.

5. Thin the plants when they are 2 inches tall or more. This helps the chervil continue to grow properly.

6. Trim away the leaves and branches as the chervil grows. Take what you need for your recipes while you continue to allow the herb to grow.

7. Remove any white flowers that may appear on the chervil. Ideally, the flowers should be taken off before they open.

Tips & Warnings

• The chervil will reseed itself if some of the flowers are allowed to mature. If so, the plant will grow wild throughout the growing season.
• You can also grow chervil indoors in an indoor herb garden. Water it and keep it in a window box made specifically for growing herbs.

[KAZVorpal]

on 7/29/2009 Chervil is a companion plant...like most umbellifers (parsley, queen anne's lace, et cetera), it attracts predatory wasps and flies that will protect nearby plants from pests.