- Botanical name: Anthriscus cerefolium
- Common name: Chervil
- Family: Apiaceae
- Plant Type: Biennial, Herb
White
Green
- Key features:
- Aromatic foliage
- Attractive to wildlife
Chervil, Anthriscus cerefolium, is native to the Middle East, Russia and the Caucasus, but is naturalised in many areas of the world. It was used by the Romans, who believed it cleansed their blood and had restorative properties. Today it is used in fish dishes, soups and butter sauces.
Chervil is a hardy annual, bearing light green, feathery leaves with a mild aniseed flavour, and clusters of small white flowers from late-spring to summer.
Seed germinates quickly so can be sown direct outside, once all risk of frost has passed. It works well in pots. Leaves are ready to harvest after around six weeks, and plants will regrow, so leaves may be harvested continually throughout summer (as long as flowers are removed).
How to grow Anthriscus cerefolium
-
Plant size
60cm height
30cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sow | ||||||||||||
Sow |
J
Do not Sow in January |
F
Do not Sow in February |
M
Do Sow in March |
A
Do Sow in April |
M
Do Sow in May |
J
Do not Sow in June |
J
Do not Sow in July |
A
Do not Sow in August |
S
Do not Sow in September |
O
Do not Sow in October |
N
Do not Sow in November |
D
Do not Sow in December |
Plant | ||||||||||||
Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
Flowers | ||||||||||||
Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does flower in July |
A
Plant does flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Harvest | ||||||||||||
Harvest |
J
Do not Harvest in January |
F
Do not Harvest in February |
M
Do not Harvest in March |
A
Do not Harvest in April |
M
Do not Harvest in May |
J
Do Harvest in June |
J
Do Harvest in July |
A
Do Harvest in August |
S
Do Harvest in September |
O
Do Harvest in October |
N
Do not Harvest in November |
D
Do not Harvest in December |
Anthriscus cerefolium and wildlife
Anthriscus cerefolium is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Attractive to Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Anthriscus cerefolium poisonous?
Anthriscus cerefolium has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People